Fourth phase not much different: 57.2%

The fourth phase of UP assembly elections, including nine Lucknow constituencies, polled 57.2% votes — the lowest voting in the four phases that have been held till now. This phase, too, was peaceful and smooth.

The fourth phase of UP assembly elections, including nine Lucknow constituencies, polled 57.2% votes — the lowest voting in the four phases that have been held till now. This phase, too, was peaceful and smooth.

Polling-parties-check-voter-lists-before-leaving-the-Army-Ground-in-Lucknow-to-the-polling-stations-assigned-to-them-on-the-eve-of-the-fourth-phase-of-UP-Assembly-elections

The overall poll percentage since the first phase has been declining steadily - first phase 62%, second 59%, third 57.25% and fourth 57.2%.

This is how the 11 districts in the fourth phase faired - Rae Bareli (59.80), Unnao (57.17%), Hardoi (59.19%), Fatehpur (58.17%), Banda (54.25%), Chitrakoot (57.50%), Kannauj (59.33%), Farukhabad (59%), Chatrapati Shauji Maharaj Nagar (57%) Pratapgarh (52.86%) and Lucknow 55.89%.

Lucknow, the seat of power and epicenter of all the 'inspiring higher turnout activism', however, polled far higher than its past performances.

Chief electoral officer (CEO), UP, Umesh Sinha told Hindustan Times: "Lucknow did better than before. But could have done far better."

This regions performance in successive elections against the 2012's 57.2% is --- assembly elections 2002 - 54.24% and 2007 - 43.84%, Lok Sabha elections 2009 - 45.56%.

"This is how the polling went since morning - by 9 am the region voted 8.66%, by 11 am 21.95%, by 1 pm 35,95%, by 3 pm 47.96 and at 5 pm it was 57.2%," said Umesh Sinha at a press conference.

"There were nearly 30 complaints about EVMs, 38 complaints related to polling slip or names missing in voters' list and some complains about polling personnel going slow," said Sinha who added that one officer on poll duty at 128 Lucknow Cantt polling centre died due to heart attack. The next of kin would get R5 lakh compenstation, he said.