Polling is underway for the 8th phase of Lok Sabha elections. In this phase, voting is taking place for 64 constituencies spread over 7 States.

Of these, 25 seats are in Andhra Pradesh, 15 in Uttar Pradesh, 7 in Bihar, 6 in West Bengal, 5 in Uttarakhand, 4 in Himachal Pradesh and 2 in Jammu and Kahsmir. Voting is also progressing for 175 Assembly constituencies in Seemandhra region of Andhra Pradesh.

The Election Commission has taken a number of steps to ensure free and fair polling during the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls. These include deploying poll tracking teams and activating quick response system.

Presiding officers have been asked to use their powers under electoral laws to use central foces deployed in polling stations to prevent any untoward incident.

Besides the sector magistrate, who is in charge of 10 polling stations, the EC has also decided to deploy static magistrates in sensitive booths polling stations to respond immediately to complaints.

Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi said the decision to enhance security measures was taken in the wake of large scale complaints and suggestions made by political parties.