"Everyone must vote": Election Commissioner Sukhbir Sandhu casts his vote in Delhi assembly polls

Speaking to ANI, Sandhu assured that election preparations were fully in place and that the voting process has been running smoothly across Delhi.

"The preparations are complete. The election process has been going on smoothly across Delhi since morning...Voters who are coming here are being taken care of and facilitated...The experience is good. I also spoke with the voters. Everyone is very happy," he said.

He encouraged all citizens to vote and urged them to motivate others to participate in the democratic process.

"I urge everyone to step out to vote and convince others to do the same. Everyone must vote," Sandhu said.

Polling for 70 assembly seats began on Wednesday morning in Delhi, as voters cast their ballots for the 8th Assembly amid tight security. Voting commenced at 7.00 am and will continue till 6.00 pm, officials said.

A total of 699 candidates are in the electoral fray on the 70 assembly constituency seats of the national capital.

Delhi has 1,56,14,000 registered voters, including 83,76,173 males, 72,36,560 females, and 1,267 third-gender voters. The electorate also includes 2,39,905 first-time voters aged 18-19, 1,09,368 elderly voters aged 85 and above, and 79,885 persons with disabilities.

Around 97,955 personnel and 8,715 volunteers have been deployed for the elections. Security measures include 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 19,000 Home Guards, and 35,626 Delhi Police personnel, ensuring peaceful polling.

Voters can use an AI-based Queue Management System app "Delhi Election - 2025 QMS", available on the Google Play Store, to monitor real-time crowd levels at polling stations. Medical teams will be on-site for emergencies, and a creche facility will be available for parents with young children.

The ruling Aam Admi Party (AAP) is eyeing a third term while the Bharatiya Janata Party is leaving no stone unturned to wrest back power. (ANI)