Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer P Bharathi: ‘The gender ratio in 18-19 voter group in Gujarat is very low, at 660. Young female voters are not getting enrolled’ | Political Pulse News,The Indian Express
"As per draft electoral rolls published on August 12, there are 4.83 crore eligible voters. This includes 2.5 crore male and 2.33 crore female voters," said P Bharathi.
Ahead of the Assembly polls later this year, Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer P Bharathi speaks to The Indian Express about voter turnout, challenges with regards to female voter enrollment, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in identifying duplicate votes, the EC’s take on freebies, and the plans to encourage voter turnout. Excerpts:
How many voters will exercise their franchise in the coming polls?
As per draft electoral rolls published on August 12, there are 4.83 crore eligible voters. This includes 2.5 crore male and 2.33 crore female voters. There were 4.35 crore eligible voters in the 2017 Assembly elections.
We started a Special Summary Revision (SSR) on August 12. At the end of the month-long process, we expect to add 3 to 4 lakh more voters. Voters can check their names in the draft electoral roll during this period and make changes if needed. The final lists will be published on October 10.
What are some of the challenges you are facing in the run-up to the polls?
Rating: 5