2014 LS poll may witness highest ever turnout of voters

New Delhi, Apr 24: Voters have come out in "highest- ever" numbers to cast their votes in six phases in the 349 Lok Sabha constituencies in 24 states and union territories where elections were completed, the Election Commission said today.

"By this time, the national aggregate of turnout for all the elections held so far is 66 per cent as against 57.53 per cent for the same constituencies in 2009 Lok Sabha elections," Election Commission Director General Akshay Rout said.

"Of course, it is the highest ever", he told reporters reacting to a query. His statement indicates the 2014 Lok Sabha elections may witness the highest voter turn out if the trend continues. He said a total of 35 crore voters have cast their votes in the 349 constituencies in this year's elections.

In 2009 Lok Sabha polls for these constituencies, the total votes which were cast were 21.49 crores. Rout said the figures might change as repolls have been ordered in certain polling stations and postal ballots are not included and the figures will slightly increase.

PTI