KOCHI, April 9: Over 78 per cent of Kerala’s voters on Thursday queued up across polling stations in 140 Assembly segments to elect the next government, with the state closing in towards its second best voter turnout in the process.
The strong turnout will decide whether the ruling LDF secures a straight third term, the UDF makes a comeback, or the BJP springs a surprise in an otherwise bipolar contest.
The polling process was largely peaceful, with only minor technical issues reported at a few locations.
According to the figures released after 8 pm, 78.12 per cent of the 2.71 crore voters had cast their votes, and this is higher than the 74.06 per cent polling recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections.
In the 1987 polls, the state registered 80.54 per cent polling. The highest-ever recorded turnout in the state during Assembly elections is 85.72 per cent in 1960, according to PIB data.
Officials said the final turnout is expected to rise further as late voters in queues are counted. If the trend continues, the overall turnout could cross 80.54 per cent registered in 1987. The election is being closely watched as it will decide whether the CPI(M)-led LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the Congress-headed UDF stages a comeback after a decade, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala’s traditionally bipolar political space.
Leaders across Kerala’s three main political fronts offered differing explanations for the high voter turnout, with each linking the trend to factors that could shape the election outcome.
CPI(M) leader C N Mohanan attributed the rise to the revision of electoral rolls. BJP leader K S Shaiju linked the rise to voter behaviour on the ground. He also expressed confidence about his party’s prospects. “The increased participation of women voters would favour the BJP.” From early morning, there were long queues outside polling booths, with prominent political leaders and public figures arriving even before voting began.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cast his vote along with his family at a polling station in Kannur district. Describing the election as decisive, he said it would determine the direction of Kerala’s development.
Highlighting his government’s record, Vijayan asserted that the LDF had ensured clean governance and sustained progress over the past decade.
Congress leader VD Satheesan cast his vote along with his family.
Expressing confidence in the UDF’s prospects, Satheesan claimed there was a clear shift in public mood in favour of change. (PTI)
