Andaman And Nicobar Islands Lok Sabha Election 2024: Over 8% Voter Turnout By 9 AM

Over 8.64 per cent of the total 3,15,148 voters in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have exercised their franchise till 9 am on Friday for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the union territory, an official said.

Chief Electoral Officer, B S Jaglan said so far voting is going on peacefully and appealed to all eligible voters to participate in the democratic process.

"So far the voting is going on peacefully as we can see that a large number of women and men voters turned out in their respective booths. There were some minor EVM glitches but it was addressed immediately. It did not hamper the poll process, the CEO told PTI.
Voting for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands began at 7 am on Friday amid tight security measures, poll officials said.

A total of 3.15 lakh voters - 1.64 lakh men, 1.51 lakh women, and four of the third gender - are eligible to exercise their franchise.

Special polling stations have been established for 39 voters of the Great Nicobarese tribe of Strait Islands, 68 members of the Onge tribe at Hut Bay and 98 Shompen tribals of Great Nicobar Island.

Of the 412 polling stations, webcasting will be available in 206 which are primarily located in sensitive or remote areas.

A total of 12 candidates, which includes two women and five Independents, are in the fray for the polls.

The BJP has nominated Bishnu Pada Ray as its candidate, while the Congress has fielded its sitting MP Kuldeep Rai Sharma.

Chief Electoral Officer B S Jaglan said that polling personnel have traversed deep jungles and crocodile-infested mangrove swamps to set up booths in remote areas to ensure that all voters get an opportunity to exercise their franchise.

Adequate security arrangements have been put in place in all three districts - North and Middle Andaman, South Andaman and Nicobar - under the supervision of Director General of Police Devesh Chandra Srivastava.