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Kerala Polls Near 80% Turnout, CEO Denies Data Delay Amid Criticism

Kerala recorded a robust voter turnout of 79.63% in the April 9 Assembly elections, with the figure expected to inch higher as service votes are consolidated. Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Khelkar clarified that the data release was not delayed, emphasizing a three-day period for verification and accuracy. Women voters emerged as standout participants with an 81.19% turnout, significantly higher than the 75.19% among men. The high polling percentage has triggered optimism and anxiety across political fronts as final figures are awaited.

Key Points: Kerala Assembly Election Voter Turnout Hits 79.63%, CEO Clarifies

  • 79.63% overall voter turnout
  • Women voters lead with 81.19% participation
  • CEO denies delay in data release
  • Final figures expected to rise with service votes
  • Opposition criticizes timing of data announcement
2 min read

Kerala elections: CEO says polling turnout touching 80 per cent, denies delay

Kerala's April 9 election sees 79.63% turnout, with women voters leading at 81.19%. CEO Rathan U. Khelkar addresses data delay criticism.

"The release of data was not delayed... only three days were taken to ensure accuracy and proper verification. - Rathan U. Khelkar"

Thiruvananthapuram, April 13

Kerala recorded a robust voter turnout of 79.63 per cent in the crucial April 9 Assembly election, with participation levels nearing the 80 per cent mark, as per the figures released on Monday.

Announcing the figures, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Khelkar said the estimate combines votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and postal ballots.

Kerala went to the polls on April 9, and at the end of polling, the figure that was provided was 78.27 per cent.

The figures are based on data submitted by presiding officers, and the final turnout is expected to inch higher when around 53,000 service votes are fully consolidated.

Service voters can get enrolled at their native places even though they may actually be residing at a different place due to their posting.

Khelkar clarified that the release of data was not delayed, noting that only three days were taken to ensure accuracy and proper verification.

Women voters emerged as the standout participants in this election, recording a turnout of 81.19 per cent, significantly higher than the 75.19 per cent among men.

In the transgender category, turnout stood at 56.04 per cent.

Voting among essential service personnel stood at 94.24 per cent, while 96.37 per cent of those deployed on election duty exercised their franchise.

According to earlier figures released by the Election Commission, 1,35,068 officials voted out of approximately 1,45,000 on duty, leaving around 9,932 yet to be fully accounted for.

District-wise data shows that Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest participation among officials (15,007), while Wayanad reported the lowest (3,298).

These figures pertain to the period between March 31 and April 8.

Responding to criticism from Leader of the Opposition V. D. Satheesan over alleged delays in releasing polling data, Khelkar maintained that the process was entirely transparent.

He said postal ballots were collected in the presence of political party representatives and that booth-level data were available with all parties, leaving no room for ambiguity.

In the state, the record turnout remains at 80.54 per cent in the 1987 polls.

With final figures expected soon, the high polling percentage has triggered both optimism and anxiety across political fronts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While the high turnout is good, the CEO's clarification about the delay is important. In today's digital age, people expect faster results. Taking three days for verification is understandable for accuracy, but the EC should work on making this process quicker in future elections.
M
Meera T
The gender gap in turnout is telling! Women at 81% vs men at 75%. Kerala's women are leading the way in civic participation. This should be a lesson for other states. Hoping this reflects in more women-centric policies from whichever government comes to power.
D
David E
Interesting to see the high percentage among election duty personnel (96.37%). When the people conducting the election have such faith in the process, it's a good sign for the integrity of the whole system. Kudos to the officials.
A
Aman W
The transparency point is key. If booth-level data is with all parties, then there should be less room for post-election allegations. This is how it should be done everywhere. Now, let's wait for the final results with patience.
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Sneha F
A small note of concern: the turnout in the transgender category is still quite low at 56%. We've made progress, but there's clearly a long way to go in making the polling process fully inclusive and accessible for everyone in our society.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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