EVM Glitches, ‘Fake’ Voting Complaints During Rajasthan Civic Polls; Turnout Crosses 50% by 1 PM

Rajasthan Civic Polls Witness EVM Glitches

Polling for the first phase of Rajasthan’s urban local body elections began on Wednesday amid reports of technical problems with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at several polling stations.

According to officials, 50.38% voter turnout was recorded across the first-phase polling areas by 1 pm. Voting began at 7 am and was scheduled to continue until 6 pm.

EVM-related disruptions were reported from multiple locations, with voters facing delays and long queues at some polling stations.

Polling Disrupted in Sujangarh and Bikaner

Officials said polling was disrupted at a booth in Ward 39 of Sujangarh Municipal Council and another booth in Ward 52 of Bikaner because of malfunctioning EVMs.

In Alwar city, voters reportedly expressed anger after an EVM stopped functioning at a polling booth. Technical problems also led to long queues in parts of Sawai Madhopur and Jodhpur.

The disruptions added to concerns among voters waiting to cast their ballots during the first phase of the civic elections.

Allegations of Fake Voting Reported

Apart from EVM glitches, complaints of alleged fake voting were reported from several constituencies.

According to officials, such complaints emerged from Wards 16 and 18 in Baran district, Ward 1 in Dudu in Jaipur district, Ward 22 in Bhilwara, Ward 34 in Jalore and Ward 29 in Bharatpur. These were reported as allegations and do not by themselves establish that fraudulent voting took place.

The complaints are expected to be examined by the authorities responsible for overseeing the polling process.

Sikari Records Highest Turnout by 1 PM

Among the areas covered in the first phase, Sikari municipality in Deeg district recorded the highest turnout, with 81.28% of voters having cast their ballots by 1 pm.

In contrast, Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest turnout at 36.67% during the same period.

The overall turnout crossing the 50% mark by early afternoon indicated significant voter participation despite technical disruptions at some booths.

Over 20,000 Candidates in First Phase

The first phase covers 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations, 27 municipal councils and 131 municipalities.

More than 20,000 candidates are contesting for 5,393 councillor posts in this phase. A total of 57,52,278 voters are eligible to vote across 7,683 polling stations.

In Jaipur district alone, voting is being conducted at 565 polling stations across 18 urban local bodies.

Rajasthan Civic Polls to Be Held in Two Phases

Elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan are being conducted in two phases on September 9 and September 11.

The counting of votes is scheduled for September 14.

The civic elections are being closely watched as they will provide an indication of the organisational strength and local support enjoyed by major political parties across Rajasthan.

What Happens Next

With polling continuing until 6 pm, the final turnout for the first phase is expected to be higher than the 50.38% recorded at 1 pm.

Authorities will also have to assess reports of EVM malfunctions and complaints of alleged fake voting as the election process progresses. The focus will remain on ensuring that remaining voters can exercise their franchise without disruption.