New Delhi, April 10,IPU Media Update News : Polling proceeded peacefully on Thursday in the assembly elections held across three states Assam and Kerala as well as in the Union Territory of Puducherry, as part of the ongoing assembly elections across five states. The Election Commission has announced the voter turnout percentages recorded in the assembly elections held yesterday in Puducherry (UT), Kerala, and Assam. Voters flocked to polling stations in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Puducherry witnessed a record-breaking voter turnout of 89.87 percent; in comparison, the 2021 Puducherry Assembly elections had recorded a turnout of 84.8 percent. Assam also recorded a turnout of 85.64 percent an increase compared to 2021 figures. Meanwhile, in Kerala, 78.24 percent of voters exercised their right to vote.

This marks the first time that Puducherry has recorded such a high voter turnout since its merger with India from France in 1964. Undeterred by the scorching heat, voters began lining up at polling stations as early as 7:00 AM. While the 2021 elections held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic saw a turnout of 82.04 percent in Assam, the figure rose to 85.65 percent in the current elections. Similarly, in Kerala, where the 2021 elections recorded a turnout of 74.06 percent, the figure reached 78.24 percent this time around. Meanwhile, a voter turnout of 94.5 percent was recorded in the Yanam Assembly constituency an enclave of Puducherry situated along the borders of the Kakinada and Konaseema districts.

— M Venkata T Reddy