Kerala records 78.01% turnout as polling ends across 140 seats

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala recorded an overall voter turnout of 78.01% after polling concluded across all 140 Assembly constituencies on Thursday, according to figures released by the Election Commission of India at 8 pm. The final turnout is expected to increase as votes from those who were in queues at closing time are accounted for, according to a report by Onmanorma.

Polling was held in 30,495 booths across the state. Although voting officially ended at 6 pm, long queues were reported at several polling stations, particularly in northern districts. Election officials issued tokens to voters who were in line before the deadline to ensure they could cast their ballots.

District-wise data showed Kozhikode recording the highest turnout at 80.83%, while Pathanamthitta reported the lowest at 70.70%. Election authorities had earlier indicated that the overall turnout could approach 90%, though it remains below the state’s highest-ever turnout of 85.77% recorded in 1960.

In the initial hours of polling, constituencies in Ernakulam district reported relatively higher turnout. Thripunithura recorded 40.6% turnout, followed by Vypen (37.54%), Kunnathunad (37.31%), Thrikkakkara (37.18%), and Aluva (36.89%). In contrast, northern constituencies such as Manjeshwar, Tirur, Ponnani, and Vengara reported lower turnout in the early hours before picking up later in the day.

After casting his vote, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would return to power with a larger mandate. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan said the United Democratic Front (UDF) expected to win more than 100 seats. Vijayan said he would respond to the opposition’s claims after the results are announced.

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.