Polling for the general elections to the legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in four Assembly constituencies across Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura, concluded on Thursday with largely peaceful proceedings and unprecedented voter participation in key regions, the poll panel said in a press note.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Assam and Puducherry recorded their highest-ever voter turnout, with 85.38 per cent and 89.83 per cent participation, respectively, surpassing previous records of 84.67 per cent in Assam (2016) and 86.19 per cent in Puducherry (2011). Kerala also witnessed a robust turnout of 78.03 per cent, reflecting strong voter engagement across the three poll-bound regions.
A total electorate of over 5.31 crore exercised their franchise across 296 Assembly constituencies in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. Simultaneously, bye-elections were held in four constituencies — two in Karnataka, one in Nagaland and one in Tripura — recording turnout ranging from around 68 per cent in Karnataka seats to over 82 per cent in Nagaland’s Koridang constituency.
Polling began at 7 am across 63,084 polling stations and was conducted smoothly, with only a few minor incidents reported. Over 2.5 lakh polling personnel had reached their assigned stations a day in advance, ensuring timely commencement of voting. Mock polls were conducted before the start of voting in the presence of more than 1.8 lakh polling agents representing 1,899 candidates.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, closely monitored the polling process through live webcasting. Notably, 100 per cent live webcasting was implemented for the first time across all polling stations in these elections, marking a significant step in enhancing transparency.
The Commission also highlighted the participation of 38 delegates from 22 countries under the International Election Visitors’ Programme, who observed the electoral process on the ground.
In a move aimed at improving voter convenience and accessibility, several new initiatives were introduced. These included colour photographs of candidates on EVM ballot papers, Mobile Deposit Facilities, redesigned Voter Information Slips for better readability, and a cap of 1,200 voters per polling station to reduce congestion. Special arrangements such as wheelchairs, volunteer assistance and transport facilities were made available for persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation.
Election officials said Presiding Officers updated voter turnout figures immediately after the close of polling at their respective stations, minimising delays in reporting trends. However, the turnout figures remain provisional as data from some polling stations is yet to be updated, and final figures will include service voters and postal ballots.
The ECI described the high turnout, particularly in Assam and Puducherry, as a reflection on growing public trust and enthusiasm in the democratic process, even as final results are awaited.