In a surprising turn of events, Delhi saw its lowest voter turnout since 2008 during the recent assembly elections, with only 60.4% of eligible voters casting their votes. The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that this year's turnout is significantly lower than previous years, with the North East district recording the highest turnout at 66.25% and South East district recording the lowest at 56.31%. The ECI has reassured that these figures are provisional and will be updated soon, with 699 candidates competing in the elections and results to be announced on February 8.
New Delhi Assembly Elections 2023: Lowest Voter Turnout in 15 Years
Delhi witnessed its lowest voter turnout in 15 years during the recently concluded assembly elections, igniting concerns about voter apathy and the state of electoral participation.
Voter Turnout
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), only 60.4% of eligible voters cast their ballots on February 8, 2023. This represents a significant drop from the previous assembly elections in 2020, when the turnout was 62.59%.
The North East district recorded the highest turnout at 66.25%, while the South East district had the lowest at 56.31%.
Reasons for Low Turnout
Experts have attributed the low turnout to several factors, including:
Background
Delhi has witnessed a steady decline in voter turnout in recent assembly elections. In 2015, the turnout was 67.19%, while in 2013 it was 63.76%.
Low voter turnout is not unique to Delhi. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the turnout was 57.41%, the lowest in three decades.
Consequences of Low Turnout
Low voter turnout can have significant implications for the legitimacy and representativeness of elected officials. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the electoral system in ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard.
Top 5 FAQs
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