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Tamil Nadu Polls: Women Voters Lead, CEC Eyes Record Youth Turnout

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that female voters continue to outnumber male voters in Tamil Nadu following an electoral roll revision. The state has over 12.5 lakh first-time voters aged 18-19, whom the CEC urged to lead a "festival of democracy" for a record turnout. The Election Commission has set up over 75,000 polling stations, capped at 1,200 voters each, and will equip all with webcasting for transparency. Kumar also issued a strong warning against electoral malpractices, including freezing accounts involved in illegal money flow.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Elections: Female Voters Outnumber Males, CEC Reviews

  • Female voters outnumber male voters
  • 12.5 lakh first-time voters in 18-19 age group
  • 75,032 polling stations with 1,200 voter cap
  • Webcasting at all booths for transparency
  • Stern warning against electoral malpractices
2 min read

Female voters outnumber males in TN, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar, calls for record youth turnout

CEC Gyanesh Kumar announces female voters outnumber males in TN, calls for record youth turnout. Over 75,000 polling stations set for assembly elections.

Female voters outnumber males in TN, says CEC Gyanesh Kumar, calls for record youth turnout
"The Bihar election was a flawless exercise, but in Tamil Nadu, it will be even better - transparent, fair, and the most memorable election. - Gyanesh Kumar"

Chennai, Feb 27

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday reviewed the poll preparedness for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which will be declared in the coming days, announcing that female voters continue to outnumber male voters in the state.

Following a comprehensive electoral roll revision, the state's total electorate stands at 5,67,07,380, comprising 2,89,60,838 women and 2,77,38,925 men with female voters outnumbering their male counterparts.

Addressing a press conference in Chennai, the CEC noted that the state has 12,51,742 first-time voters in the 18-19 age group.

To ensure a smooth voting experience, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 75,032 polling stations, including 44,065 in rural areas.

"We have capped the maximum number of voters per station at 1,200 to avoid congestion and delays," Kumar said.

Aiming for a record-breaking voter turnout in the forthcoming polls, the Chief Election Commissioner called upon the young voters in Tamil Nadu to lead the "festival of democracy," adding that the state always registered high voter turnout.

The CEC lauded the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Tamil Nadu as a "role model for the entire country," noting that only about 200 appeals were filed after the exercise, reflecting high professionalism of the revision drive.

To enhance transparency, all polling stations will be equipped with webcasting facilities.

Kumar said the new 'ECINET' app, which will provide real-time updates on voting percentages at individual stations and it would help avoid delayed announcement of voter turnout figures.

Highlighting the "festival of democracy," the CEC addressed the issue of physical submission of the nominations.

While the digital facility is available, Kumar noted that many candidates prefer physical submission of their nomination papers with supporters as part of the electoral tradition.

He detailed accessibility measures, including ground-floor booths, ramps, wheelchairs, and volunteers for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

The Commission issued a stern warning against electoral malpractices, stating that accounts involved in the illegal flow of money would be frozen.

Traders were advised to carry cash within permissible limits to avoid inconvenience during checks after announcing the election dates.

Drawing a comparison with recent polls in Bihar, Kumar remarked, "The Bihar election was a flawless exercise, but in Tamil Nadu, it will be even better - transparent, fair, and the most memorable election."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

K
Karthik V
Good to see the EC's detailed preparations. The webcasting and ECINET app for real-time updates are much-needed steps for transparency. However, I hope the focus on "memorable election" isn't just about pomp and show with nomination rallies, but about actual issue-based campaigning.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has observed elections in multiple countries, the scale and planning here are impressive. 1.2 million first-time voters is a huge demographic. Parties need to genuinely engage with their concerns - jobs, education, climate - not just give empty promises.
R
Rohit P
The warning on freezing accounts for illegal money flow is the most important part. Cash for votes is a disease in our democracy. Strict action here will determine if the election is truly "flawless". TN has a chance to set a national example.
A
Anjali F
Appreciate the accessibility measures for seniors and PwD. My grandfather will find it easier to vote this time. The high female voter numbers are a proud moment for Tamil Nadu. Our ammas and akkas are the backbone of the state, and their voice must be heard loud and clear.
M
Michael C
The comparison with Bihar seems unnecessary. Every state has its own challenges. Focus should be on ensuring a smooth process in TN itself. That said, the logistical planning with 75,000+ polling stations is a massive undertaking. Kudos to the election machinery.

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