Sat Nov 23 09:37:04 UTC 2024: ## ECI Website Crashes Amidst Tense Vote Counting in Maharashtra and Jharkhand
**New Delhi, [Date]** – The Election Commission of India (ECI) website experienced significant technical difficulties Saturday morning as vote counting got underway for crucial state assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as well as by-elections across the country. Visitors to the results portal (results.eci.gov.in) were met with non-functional links and a stagnant “counting in progress” message, lacking real-time updates.
The outage occurred as millions watched closely, with early trends suggesting a tight contest in both states. In Maharashtra, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is currently leading in 58 of 288 seats, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) holds an advantage in 31. The election will determine whether the Mahayuti retains power or if the MVA stages a successful comeback.
Similarly, in Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA is ahead in 25 of 81 seats, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s JMM-led coalition is currently leading in 10. High-profile candidates include CM Soren himself, his wife Kalpana Soren, BJP state president Babulal Marandi, and former CM Champai Soren.
The counting process also includes results for 48 assembly by-elections across 13 states and two prominent parliamentary constituencies: Nanded (Maharashtra) and Wayanad (Kerala). A total of 1,211 candidates are vying for seats across all elections.
The ECI has yet to issue an official statement regarding the website malfunction. The disruption has raised concerns among voters and observers eager for accurate and timely election results.
First Piper 