Press briefing by AP's Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena: Polling day overview

Amaravati: In a recent press conference, Andhra Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena shared insights into the statewide general elections held today. He reported that from early morning, polling centers witnessed a substantial turnout of voters. Mukesh Kumar Meena highlighted that the voter participation had increased compared to previous elections and that there were fewer instances of individuals arriving at polling stations without identification cards this time.

By the evening, around 68% of polling was recorded. Further details on the final polling percentage will be disclosed after a thorough review of additional factors. He also noted that individuals who were still in line by 6 PM were allowed to vote, extending the opportunity to vote until 10 PM for queues having up to 300 people.

Technical issues were reported at several polling stations involving Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Specifically, problems were encountered with 275 ballot units, 217 control units, and 600 Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). As a precaution, 20,000 additional machines were made available at polling stations.

Incidents of potential violence were anticipated in Anantapur, Palnadu, and Annamayya districts, with adequate preparations made in response. In Palnadu district, police actions were taken in response to 12 incidents. In Macharla, issues were encountered with EVMs, but engineers confirmed that the data remained secure. Polling was re-conducted in 8 centers in Macharla, as well as two incidents each in Koduru and Darsi where EVMs malfunctioned.

He assured that there have been no complaints regarding repolling and that electoral supervisors and officers will discuss any grievances related to today’s polling with candidates from all parties tomorrow. In Palnadu district, the situation is currently under control, with petrol bombs reportedly used in attacks. Mukesh Kumar Meena opined that there was no deliberate delay in polling across the state, with monitoring ensuring that any delays were only due to technical issues or other unforeseen reasons.