Indian voters brave extreme heat in world's largest election: summary

What we know

• Indian voters faced scorching temperatures nearing 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit) as they headed to polling stations on Saturday for the penultimate phase of the world's largest election. 
• Over 111 million people across 58 constituencies in eight states and federal territories were eligible to vote in the sixth phase of the general election, which recorded a turnout of 49.2% by 3 p.m., with three hours of polling remaining.
• Despite the oppressive heat, significant political figures, including Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress party and primary rival to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cast their votes early in New Delhi.
• Voting for the general elections began on April 19 and will conclude on June 1, with results expected on June 4. 
• In light of the extreme heat, the Election Commission has taken measures to ensure voter comfort and safety. Paramedics were on hand with oral hydration salts, and polling stations in Delhi were equipped with mist machines, shaded waiting areas, and cold water dispensers.

What they said

Delhi Chief Electoral Officer P. Krishnamurthy told Reuters that, "We hope that people will overcome the fear of the heatwave and come and vote." Prime Minister Modi also encouraged citizens to "vote in large numbers" through a message on social media platform X. His post read, “I urge all those who are voting in the 6th phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to vote in large numbers. Every vote counts, make yours count too! Democracy thrives when its people are engaged and active in the electoral process. I specially urge women voters and youth voters to vote in large numbers.”

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