Lok Sabha Polls: Nearly 4 Lakhs first-time voters to exercise franchise in Punjab

Punjab is all set for polling in the final phase of elections which are due to be held on May 19. All 13 constituencies of Punjab will vote to elect their respective MPs on May 19.

The 13 constituencies are spread across 22 districts of Punjab. There are 2.07 crore voters who are eligible to exercise their franchise in Punjab to seal the fate of 278 candidates, out of which 224 are male and 54 are female candidates.

Addressing media in Chandigarh on May 16, Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr S Karuna Raju said, "There are a total of 23,213 polling booths in the state and a total of 27,703 VVPATs would be installed. First-time voters amounting to 3.94 lakhs will be welcomed and given a certificate of appreciation."

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"Additional State Police personnel would be deployed for security purposes and there would be a major focus on checking the distribution of liquor to influence voters," he added.

There would be live webcasting on 12,002 polling stations, Karuna mentioned.

59 Lok Sabha seats, including the 13 in Punjab, will go to polls on May 19 and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

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