Kerela elections: Ernakulam district registers an uptick in polling

KOCHI: Ernakulam district saw higher voter turnout in Thursday's assembly elections, reaching 79.37% by 7pm. The figure marks a notable rise from 74.12% in 2021 and slightly surpasses the 79% recorded in 2016.Among the constituencies, Kunnathunadu registered the highest polling at 83.6%, while Angamaly reported the lowest at 75.62%. North Paravur, where opposition leader V D Satheesan is contesting against CPI's E T Taison, recorded 81.96%. Tripunithura and Kalamassery also crossed the 80% mark, while the remaining constituencies stayed below 80% till evening. Polling booths across the district witnessed steady participation from early morning and long queues were seen at several locations. Voters from all sections of society—including elderly residents, women with infants and persons with disabilities—turned out in large numbers. A total of 15,148 officials were deployed across 3,149 polling stations to manage the process. All stations were equipped with webcasting facilities to ensure transparency and security. For 77-year-old Subhadra Subhashanan, voting remains a lifelong commitment. Reaching the polling station at St Joseph High School in Chullikkal with the help of neighbours, she said, "I have not missed an election yet. Today too, I came with their support and cast my vote." First-time voter Synora Shiju, who is learning German and plans to pursue studies abroad, shared a different perspective. "As it was my first time, I was tense, but everything went smoothly. I am voting because I would like to see a change in the govt," she said. Polling arrangements focused on voter convenience. At a homoeopathy dispensary converted into a booth in Panayappilly, facilities such as drinking water, seating, feeding rooms and ORS were made available. "We have ensured basic amenities for voters' comfort," said Asna L, a booth level officer (BLO). Despite being on duty, Asna was unable to cast her vote till evening due to the continuous flow of voters. "I have been waiting for the queue to ease since morning, but it has not happened so far," she said.Officials said several initiatives were introduced to promote inclusivity. As part of women's empowerment measures, one polling booth in each of the 14 constituencies was managed entirely by women, including polling and security personnel. In addition, two special polling stations operated entirely by officials with disabilities were set up in Kochi and Muvattupuzha constituencies, as part of efforts to make the electoral process more inclusive.