New Delhi, April 23: Record voter turnout was registered in the first phase of the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Voting was 84.69 percent in Tamil Nadu and 91.78 percent in West Bengal. This is the highest voter turnout in both states since independence. Voting for by-elections to vacant seats in Gujarat and Maharashtra also concluded today.
According to a release issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), historic voter turnout was recorded in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase 1). Previously, in 2011, Tamil Nadu recorded 78.29 percent voter turnout and West Bengal recorded 84.72 percent voter turnout.
The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the Election Commission salutes every voter in both states for the record turnout.
Voting in both states began at 7 am and concluded peacefully by 6 pm. According to data provided by the Election Commission, male voter turnout in Tamil Nadu was 83.57 percent, female voter turnout was 85.76 percent, and third gender voter turnout was 60.49 percent. In West Bengal, male voter turnout was 90.92 percent, female voter turnout was 92.69 percent, and third gender voter turnout was 56.79 percent. In
Gujarat, the Umreth constituency recorded a 59.03 percent voter turnout. In Maharashtra, the Baramati constituency recorded a 57.48 percent voter turnout and the Rahuri constituency recorded a 55.31 percent voter turnout. According to the Commission, final figures are still pending.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners S.S. Sandhu and Vivek Joshi continuously monitored the voting process. 100 percent webcasting was provided at all polling stations in both states, ensuring transparency.
The Commission states that in recent years, the Election Commission has implemented several reforms to increase voter participation and make the election process more transparent. Furthermore, the SIR process for voter list purification has also been completed. The impact of which has manifested itself in the form of record voter turnout this time.