Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Tashigang's Extreme Voting, Upholding Democracy At The Roof Of The World

Published: Saturday, June 1, 2024, 19:53 [IST]

Tashigang, a tiny village nestled high in the icy Himalayas at a staggering altitude of 15,256 feet, holds the distinction of hosting the highest polling station in the world. Located near the India-China border in the Spiti Valley, it serves 62 voters from Tashigang and Gete. The yellow-colored polling station, adorned with the tricolor flag, stands bleakly empty on a hillside with barely any vegetation. Despite the formidable challenges posed by rugged terrain, narrow winding dirt roads, and unpredictable weather, dedicated officials facilitate the democratic process with meticulous preparations, including satellite phones for communication.

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Lahaul and Spiti: A voter shows her finger marked with indelible ink after casting vote for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

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Lahaul and Spiti: Voters show their identification cards as they wait to caste votes for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024

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Lahaul and Spiti: Voters show their fingers marked with indelible ink after casting votes for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

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Lahaul and Spiti: A voter signs before casting her vote for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

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Lahaul and Spiti: A polling official demonstrates the voting process during the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

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Lahaul and Spiti: A voter gets her finger marked with indelible ink before casting her vote for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

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Lahaul and Spiti: Voters on their way to cast votes for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

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Lahaul and Spiti: Voters on their way to cast votes for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls at the world's highest polling station, in Tashigang, Lahaul and Spiti, Saturday, June 1, 2024.