Voter turnout in Phase 3 is 65.68%: ECI

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on Saturday said the final poll percentage in third phase of Lok Sabha elections has been recorded 65.68 per cent overall. This is lower than 2019 when during the same phase it was 68.4 per cent recorded.

"In continuation of the ECI’s two press notes dated 7th May and 8th May (on voting percentage), the voter turnout of 65.68 per cent recorded in phase three for 93 Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) in the ongoing general elections,” the poll panel said in a press release.

The ECI has also given data of constituency wise poll percentage. As for states and UTs, Assam (85.45), West Bengal (77.53) and Goa (76.06) saw the highest polling while Uttar Pradesh (57.55), Bihar (59.15), and Gujarat (60.13) had lower voter turnout. There was decent polling in Chhattisgarh (71.98), Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (71.31), Karnataka (71.84), Madhya Pradesh (66.75) and Maharashtra (63.55).

"It is pertinent to mention that repoll at two polling stations in Bihar and four polling stations in Madhya Pradesh in phase-3 are also concluded... Copy of Form 17C is also provided for every Polling Station in a Constituency to candidates though their polling agents. Actual data of Form 17 C shall prevail which is already shared with candidates. Final turnout will only be available post-counting with counting of postal ballots and its addition to total vote count. Postal Ballots include Postal Ballots given to service voters, absentee voters and voters on Election Duty. Daily account of such postal ballots received, as per statutory provisions, are given to all candidates," the ECI said in a statement on Saturday.

The ECI is facing criticism for delay and variation in poll percentage from the day of voting.