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Gujarat Election 2017 Highlights: 68% Voter Turnout, Lower Than 71% Polling In 2012
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Updated : December 10, 2017 1:44 am IST
Gujarat assembly election 2017: Voting in the first phase of the Gujarat election ended at 5 pm
The first phase of the Gujarat assembly election saw a voter turnout of 68 per cent as voting ended at 5 pm, Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti told reporters, adding the Election Commission expects the final turnout to reach the last election's figure of 71.3 per cent. The first phase of polling was held on 89 assembly constituencies in Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions. The voting turnout till 4 pm was over 60 per cent, according to the Election Commission. The voter turnout then climbed to 68 per cent by the time voting ended. A total of 977 candidates fought it out in the first phase of the Gujarat polls in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state. Prominent candidates are Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's Vijay Rupani (Rajkot West), and Congress's Shaktisinh Gohil (Mandvi) and Paresh Dhanani (Amreli). The Bharatiya Janata Party has been in power in Gujarat for an uninterrupted 22 years. The BJP is looking to stay in power for a fifth term, and the Congress is also hoping for an electoral revival. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi ran a high-decibel campaign ahead of the Gujarat polls. According to the Election Commission, 2.12 crore people were eligible to vote in the first phase of the election in Gujarat.
Dec 09, 2017 19:38 (IST)
126 year old Ajiben arrives to cast her vote in the first phase of Gujarat assembly election in Rajkot on Saturday. Chief Election Commissioner, AK Joti, speaking at a Press Conference after polling said that there were 2.8 crore voters were eligible to cast their vote in the first phase that saw an approximate 68% voter turnout.
Dec 09, 2017 18:53 (IST)
"Thank you Gujarat!" tweets Prime Minister Narendra Modi
As the Election Commission announced a voter turnout of 68 per cent in the first of the Gujarat assembly election today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of his home state for turning up in a large number to vote. "Thank you Gujarat! Gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Gujarat for voting in record numbers today. I am seeing that BJP is headed towards a historic victory, powered by the affection and support of every Gujarati," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
A woman shows her inked finger after voting at a polling booth in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election today (PTI)
As the Election Commission announced a voter turnout of 68 per cent in the first of the Gujarat assembly election today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of his home state for turning up in a large number to vote. "Thank you Gujarat! Gratitude to my sisters and brothers of Gujarat for voting in record numbers today. I am seeing that BJP is headed towards a historic victory, powered by the affection and support of every Gujarati," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
A woman shows her inked finger after voting at a polling booth in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election today (PTI)
Dec 09, 2017 18:48 (IST)
68% voter turnout as voting ends: Election Commission
"For first time, EVMs and VVPATs were used in all constituencies and also for the first time all voters with disabilities were mapped," Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti told reporters after voting ended in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 today. He said tentatively 68 per cent voter turnout has been recorded as voting ended at 5 pm. In the last election, it was 71.3 per cent. "Hopefully final figure will touch previous election's figure," he said. On EVMs that malfunctioned, Mr Joti said, "Overall number looks large but as proportion of total, much less machines were found faulty. They were replaced."
Electronic voting machines or EVMs and voter-verifiable paper (VVPAT) trails are sealed after the first phase of Gujarat assembly election ended at a polling station in Rajkot.
"For first time, EVMs and VVPATs were used in all constituencies and also for the first time all voters with disabilities were mapped," Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti told reporters after voting ended in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 today. He said tentatively 68 per cent voter turnout has been recorded as voting ended at 5 pm. In the last election, it was 71.3 per cent. "Hopefully final figure will touch previous election's figure," he said. On EVMs that malfunctioned, Mr Joti said, "Overall number looks large but as proportion of total, much less machines were found faulty. They were replaced."
Electronic voting machines or EVMs and voter-verifiable paper (VVPAT) trails are sealed after the first phase of Gujarat assembly election ended at a polling station in Rajkot.
Dec 09, 2017 18:37 (IST)
First phase of Gujarat assembly election peaceful: Election Commission
"The poll process of the first phase of elections passed peacefully and incident-free," Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti said in a news conference today after voting in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election ended at 5 pm today. "I would like to thank media for wide coverage and incessant work in voter awareness," he said, adding "The Election Commission had appointed 57 general observers and 39 expenditure observers..."
"The poll process of the first phase of elections passed peacefully and incident-free," Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti said in a news conference today after voting in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election ended at 5 pm today. "I would like to thank media for wide coverage and incessant work in voter awareness," he said, adding "The Election Commission had appointed 57 general observers and 39 expenditure observers..."
Dec 09, 2017 18:33 (IST)
"Baseless allegations," says Arun Jaitley on Congress's charges over EVMs
"We express more than satisfaction in the manner in which the election has been conducted," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after voting in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. On Congress's allegations that the EVMs failed in some places, Arun Jaitley said, "These are just baseless statements. When statements of these kind are given, I can't help but say that these are preparation of upcoming defeat."
"We express more than satisfaction in the manner in which the election has been conducted," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after voting in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. On Congress's allegations that the EVMs failed in some places, Arun Jaitley said, "These are just baseless statements. When statements of these kind are given, I can't help but say that these are preparation of upcoming defeat."
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Dec 09, 2017 18:13 (IST)
Expect landslide victory for BJP in Gujarat, says Arun Jaitley
As the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 ended, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley credited the Election Commission for conducting a peaceful election. "First phase of polling has ended. We are extremely grateful to EC, the officials and voters for peaceful and successful completion of voting. I'm sure, as per the reports that are coming, that BJP is going to register a landslide victory," Arun Jaitley told news agency ANI.
"BJP estimates that we will not only get a comfortable but a landslide win. In most places people of all sections have supported the BJP. Early reports are encouraging for us. BJP has got great support in this phase," Arun Jaitley told reporters. "There were no big incidents during the election; some places had problems with the EVMs but that's normal in an election of this scale. They were rectified later."
As the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 ended, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley credited the Election Commission for conducting a peaceful election. "First phase of polling has ended. We are extremely grateful to EC, the officials and voters for peaceful and successful completion of voting. I'm sure, as per the reports that are coming, that BJP is going to register a landslide victory," Arun Jaitley told news agency ANI.
"BJP estimates that we will not only get a comfortable but a landslide win. In most places people of all sections have supported the BJP. Early reports are encouraging for us. BJP has got great support in this phase," Arun Jaitley told reporters. "There were no big incidents during the election; some places had problems with the EVMs but that's normal in an election of this scale. They were rectified later."
Dec 09, 2017 16:53 (IST)
106-year-old Motli Ba, who saw the Dandi March, casts vote
The All India Radio today shared a picture of 106-year-old Motli Ba with indelible ink impression on her index finger after casting her vote in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. Motli Ba is among the senior-most voters in Gujarat who witnessed the historic Dandi March of 1930 that was led by Mahatama Gandhi as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The All India Radio tweeted, "106 years old Motli ba casts her vote in Surat, She is living witness of #MahatmaGandhi's historic #DandiYatra."
The All India Radio today shared a picture of 106-year-old Motli Ba with indelible ink impression on her index finger after casting her vote in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. Motli Ba is among the senior-most voters in Gujarat who witnessed the historic Dandi March of 1930 that was led by Mahatama Gandhi as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The All India Radio tweeted, "106 years old Motli ba casts her vote in Surat, She is living witness of #MahatmaGandhi's historic #DandiYatra."
Dec 09, 2017 16:26 (IST)
'Selfie point' draws crowd at Bhavnagar
People pose for photographs at a stall set up and decorated by the Election Commission in Bhavnagar to raise awareness about the importance of casting votes, news agency ANI reported. Many people took photos at the 'selfie point' at the polling station on the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017.
People pose for photographs at a stall set up and decorated by the Election Commission in Bhavnagar to raise awareness about the importance of casting votes, news agency ANI reported. Many people took photos at the 'selfie point' at the polling station on the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017.
Dec 09, 2017 16:05 (IST)
Election Commission's data on replaced EVMs
The Election Commission has released data on the electronic voting machines or EVMs used in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017: ballot units (26,865), control units (24,689) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail or VVPAT (24,689). During polling, the percentage of the units replaced are: ballot units (0.37 per cent), control units (0.38 per cent) and VVPAT (1.90 per cent).
Women show their ink-marked fingers after voting in Rajkot in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 on Saturday (PTI)
The Election Commission has released data on the electronic voting machines or EVMs used in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017: ballot units (26,865), control units (24,689) and voter-verifiable paper audit trail or VVPAT (24,689). During polling, the percentage of the units replaced are: ballot units (0.37 per cent), control units (0.38 per cent) and VVPAT (1.90 per cent).
Women show their ink-marked fingers after voting in Rajkot in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 on Saturday (PTI)
Dec 09, 2017 15:33 (IST)
People from all walks of life cast their vote
People from all walks of life came out to vote in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, contesting from Rajkot West, was among the early voters in his constituency, news agency PTI reported. "I have cast my vote and would appeal to all voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right," said cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara as he emerged from a polling booth in Rajkot. He was accompanied by his father Arvind Pujara. 115-year-old Ajiben Chandrwadia voted at a booth in Upleta town of Rajkot district. Another centenarian, a 104-year-old woman, voted in Morbi district, accompanied by her family members.
Two voters show their inked fingers outside a polling station in Surat.
People from all walks of life came out to vote in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, contesting from Rajkot West, was among the early voters in his constituency, news agency PTI reported. "I have cast my vote and would appeal to all voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right," said cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara as he emerged from a polling booth in Rajkot. He was accompanied by his father Arvind Pujara. 115-year-old Ajiben Chandrwadia voted at a booth in Upleta town of Rajkot district. Another centenarian, a 104-year-old woman, voted in Morbi district, accompanied by her family members.
Two voters show their inked fingers outside a polling station in Surat.
Dec 09, 2017 15:22 (IST)
Highest and lowest voter turnout districts so far
The highest voter turnout of 38.07 per cent was recorded in the tribal-dominated district of Tapi, while Narmada, another tribal-dominated district in south Gujarat, recorded the lowest turnout of 25.67 per cent in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017, news agency PTI reported. Chief Electoral Officer for Gujarat BB Swain said that though voting would end at 5 pm, those standing in queue outside polling booths before the process ends, would be given a chance to cast their votes, PTI reported.
The highest voter turnout of 38.07 per cent was recorded in the tribal-dominated district of Tapi, while Narmada, another tribal-dominated district in south Gujarat, recorded the lowest turnout of 25.67 per cent in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017, news agency PTI reported. Chief Electoral Officer for Gujarat BB Swain said that though voting would end at 5 pm, those standing in queue outside polling booths before the process ends, would be given a chance to cast their votes, PTI reported.
Dec 09, 2017 15:00 (IST)
Election Commission officials in Porbandar over Bluetooth complaint
A team of Election Commission officials have reached a polling booth in Thakkar plot, Porbandar, after receiving complaints of EVMs being connected to Bluetooth, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, some electronic voting machines in seven-eight polling booths had malfunctioned in Surat too. They have been replaced, the Election Commission said. "There are 24,000 polling booths in Gujarat, the problem has occurred in seven or eight booths," Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti told NDTV. "We have a number of EVMs in reserve. Concerned officials keeping continuous check," he said.
A team of Election Commission officials have reached a polling booth in Thakkar plot, Porbandar, after receiving complaints of EVMs being connected to Bluetooth, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, some electronic voting machines in seven-eight polling booths had malfunctioned in Surat too. They have been replaced, the Election Commission said. "There are 24,000 polling booths in Gujarat, the problem has occurred in seven or eight booths," Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti told NDTV. "We have a number of EVMs in reserve. Concerned officials keeping continuous check," he said.
Dec 09, 2017 14:15 (IST)
Polling is going on peacefully, says Bhavnagar District Collector
The Election Commission said all electronic voting machines or EVMs that malfunctioned in Surat have been replaced. Other officials are also reporting that it was not a major issue. "There is no issue. At few places where machines had problems, that has been resolved. Machines have been replaced wherever required. Polling is going on peacefully," said Harshad Patel, Bhavnagar District Collector, news agency ANI reported.
The Election Commission said all electronic voting machines or EVMs that malfunctioned in Surat have been replaced. Other officials are also reporting that it was not a major issue. "There is no issue. At few places where machines had problems, that has been resolved. Machines have been replaced wherever required. Polling is going on peacefully," said Harshad Patel, Bhavnagar District Collector, news agency ANI reported.
Dec 09, 2017 14:08 (IST)
Congress may blame defeat on EVMs, says BJP minister
After some EVMs malfunctioned in Surat in the Gujarat assembly election 2017, and Congress leader Amhed Patel said "there are reports of EVM malfunctioning in several polling stations," the BJP has responded. "Congress party has made it a practice to say EVM malfunctioned every time when they face defeat. Therefore, they are preparing ground before December 18 to blame their defeat on EVM," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said, news agency ANI reported.
After some EVMs malfunctioned in Surat in the Gujarat assembly election 2017, and Congress leader Amhed Patel said "there are reports of EVM malfunctioning in several polling stations," the BJP has responded. "Congress party has made it a practice to say EVM malfunctioned every time when they face defeat. Therefore, they are preparing ground before December 18 to blame their defeat on EVM," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said, news agency ANI reported.
Dec 09, 2017 13:56 (IST)
With haldi on her face, bride to be comes out to vote
A bride to be, Fenny Parekh, takes a break from her haldi ceremony to cast her vote at a polling station in Surat, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, a couple was seen going to a polling station in Bharuch to cast their vote in the Gujarat assembly election 2017 before their wedding ceremony.
A bride to be, Fenny Parekh, takes a break from her haldi ceremony to cast her vote at a polling station in Surat, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in the day, a couple was seen going to a polling station in Bharuch to cast their vote in the Gujarat assembly election 2017 before their wedding ceremony.
Dec 09, 2017 13:28 (IST)
Got complaint from Congress over Bluetooth, says election officer
One complaint of Bluetooth being used inside a polling station in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 came from the Congress in Porbandar, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain told NDTV. Mr Swain said the district collector went there to look into the matter. Preliminary inquiry shows that a polling agent's phone was showing that Bluetooth was on. It has been dealt with, Mr Swain said. Other complains about EVMs malfunctioning were during mock polls, and now all have been restored, he said.
One complaint of Bluetooth being used inside a polling station in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 came from the Congress in Porbandar, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain told NDTV. Mr Swain said the district collector went there to look into the matter. Preliminary inquiry shows that a polling agent's phone was showing that Bluetooth was on. It has been dealt with, Mr Swain said. Other complains about EVMs malfunctioning were during mock polls, and now all have been restored, he said.
Dec 09, 2017 13:23 (IST)
Gujarat election amid demonetisation, GST aftertaste
Gujarat traders, who form the core of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support base, have complained that the Goods and Services Tax introduced this year and late last year's shock move to abolish Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee bank notes, accounting for 86 per cent of cash in circulation, aggravated already tough economic conditions, news agency Reuters reported.
A policeman checks identity papers of women as they arrive to vote at a polling station during the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 in Panshina village of Surendranagar district (Reuters)
Gujarat traders, who form the core of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's support base, have complained that the Goods and Services Tax introduced this year and late last year's shock move to abolish Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 rupee bank notes, accounting for 86 per cent of cash in circulation, aggravated already tough economic conditions, news agency Reuters reported.
A policeman checks identity papers of women as they arrive to vote at a polling station during the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 in Panshina village of Surendranagar district (Reuters)
Dec 09, 2017 13:16 (IST)
Surendranagar voters turn up early
In Surendranagar, voters started turning up early in the morning and some had to wait for about 15 minutes due to a malfunction in the electronic voting machine, news agency Reuters reported. In the first few hours, more than 15 per cent of voters in Surendranagar district cast their ballot, according to state government officials, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thrown himself into the campaign, addressing dozens of rallies over the past month.
A woman walks inside a polling station in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 at Panshina village of Surendranagar district (Reuters)
In Surendranagar, voters started turning up early in the morning and some had to wait for about 15 minutes due to a malfunction in the electronic voting machine, news agency Reuters reported. In the first few hours, more than 15 per cent of voters in Surendranagar district cast their ballot, according to state government officials, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thrown himself into the campaign, addressing dozens of rallies over the past month.
A woman walks inside a polling station in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017 at Panshina village of Surendranagar district (Reuters)
Dec 09, 2017 13:06 (IST)
Lalu Prasad tweets "Why repeated snags..."
After some electronic voting machines malfunctioned in Surat in the Gujarat assembly election 2017, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad tweeted, "Why repeated snags & lapses inspite of repeated complaints? What EC is doing for long? Whenever there are EVM glitches/errors why it's advantage BJP? WHY?WHO WILL RESPOND?" The Election Commission said the faulty EVMs in Surat have been replaced.
After some electronic voting machines malfunctioned in Surat in the Gujarat assembly election 2017, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Lalu Prasad tweeted, "Why repeated snags & lapses inspite of repeated complaints? What EC is doing for long? Whenever there are EVM glitches/errors why it's advantage BJP? WHY?WHO WILL RESPOND?" The Election Commission said the faulty EVMs in Surat have been replaced.
Dec 09, 2017 12:56 (IST)
"Will be landslide victory for BJP," says Arun Jaitley
Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley today said the party will see a big win in Gujarat as people in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi vote in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. "This will be a landslide victory for BJP and the win will be resounding. Congress's campaign tactics have failed," Arun Jaitley said. He said he wants voting to be smooth and there is a paper trail along with EVMs or electronic voting machines.
"Voters have made up their mind months in advance," Mr Jaitley said.
Finance Minister and BJP leader Arun Jaitley today said the party will see a big win in Gujarat as people in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi vote in the first phase of the Gujarat assembly election 2017. "This will be a landslide victory for BJP and the win will be resounding. Congress's campaign tactics have failed," Arun Jaitley said. He said he wants voting to be smooth and there is a paper trail along with EVMs or electronic voting machines.
"Voters have made up their mind months in advance," Mr Jaitley said.
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