New Delhi

Lok Sabha Election 2024: The fourth phase of one of the biggest elections is underway in several states of India. The fourth phase commenced on Monday (May 13) at 7:00 am across 10 states and union territories. In this year's last three phases of the election, we saw a dip in voter turnout, majorly because of the rising temperature and scorching heat.

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However, on Monday, the temperature in all the 10 states and UTs voting in the fourth phase saw some respite from the muggy weather. As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the day temperature on Monday remains normal or below normal in all the regions voting in the fourth phase.

Usually, polling goes on till 6 pm in the evening, but the voting hours are curtailed considering the terrain, time of sunset and security reasons in different regions.

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Sunday that "there is no significant concern regarding hot weather conditions for the polling in phase 4," citing the IMD forecast for Monday.

The weather forecast indicates that the parliamentary constituencies going for polls "are likely to experience normal to below normal temperatures ( ±2 degrees) and there will be no heatwave-like conditions in these areas on polling day", it said. 

However, for unforeseen situations, meticulous arrangements have been made at all polling stations, as per the PIB release, including facilities like drinking water and fans.

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Considering the soaring temperatures over the last few days and people's reluctance to step out during afternoon hours, the Election Commission decided to increase the poll timings in some constituencies in Telangana.

Polling has concluded for 283 out of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats in the country in the first three phases of the election, with the voter turnout seeing a dip compared to 2019. In the first three phases, the voter turnout stood at 66.14 per cent, 66.71 per cent and 65.68 per cent, respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)