Bengaluru, April 26 (UNI) As the Lok Sabha polls unfolded across Karnataka on Friday,
the Election Commission of India reported an overall 22.3 per cent voter turnout by 11 am.

Notably, Dakshina Kannada emerged as the frontrunner with a robust 31pc voter participation, reflecting strong enthusiasm among voters in that region.
Conversely, Bengaluru Central reported the lowest turnout among the constituencies surveyed, recording a modest 19.2pc voter engagement by 11 am. This lower turnout may signal slower initial participation in the electoral process in this area.
Breaking down the voter turnout within Bengaluru, the South constituency led with 19.8% of voters casting their ballots, closely followed by North at 19.7% and Central at 19.2%. Bengaluru Rural recorded a slightly higher turnout of 20.3%, while Chikkaballapur witnessed a turnout of 21.9%.
These early figures offer a glimpse into the voting patterns within Karnataka, showcasing varying degrees of voter engagement across different constituencies.

As the day progresses, analysts anticipate these numbers to evolve, shedding light on the factors influencing voter participation in various regions of the state.
Meanwhile, ECI has left no stone unturned in ensuring a seamless and inclusive electoral process. With the establishment of a total of 30,602 polling booths, including 25 auxiliary booths, it aims to facilitate widespread participation across the state.
To oversee the electoral proceedings, approximately 1.40 lakh polling officers have been deployed, supported by 5,000 micro-observers and 50,000 civil police officers.

Moreover, 65 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Reserved Armed Forces from other states have been mobilised to maintain law and order during the voting process.
Recognising the importance of addressing urban apathy and enhancing voter turnout, the Election Commission has implemented proactive measures.

Special efforts have been made to mitigate the impact of extreme heatwave conditions, ensuring that senior citizens and persons with disabilities are not deterred from exercising their democratic rights.

These measures underscore the EC's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for all eligible voters to participate in the electoral process.
As Karnataka witnesses varying levels of early voter turnout across its constituencies, the meticulous planning and proactive initiatives undertaken by the Election Commission stand as pillars of support, ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of the democratic exercise.
UNI BDN SY ARN