Puducherry election results 2026: Date and time, where to watch live, and key details

NEW DELHI: Vote counting for the Puducherry assembly elections is set to take place on Monday, with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the All India NR Congress (AINRC), aiming for a second straight term in power.The counting process will begin at 8 am, and with only 30 constituencies in Puducherry, clear and decisive trends are expected to emerge within a few hours.Authorities have established six designated counting centres across all four regions of the Union territory - Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam - all operating under strict security arrangements.In the Puducherry region, counting will be conducted at Women’s Engineering College, Motilal Nehru Government Polytechnic, and Tagore Arts and Science College. Karaikal will host counting at the PG Centre of Arignar Anna Government Arts and Science College. In Mahe, the centre is located at Jawaharlal Nehru Government Higher Secondary School, while Yanam’s counting will take place at Dr SRK Government Arts College.Polling was held in a single phase on April 9 and recorded a historic turnout of 89.78%, surpassing previous figures of 85.57% in 2011, 85.08% in 2016, and 83.42% in 2021.The Election Commission’s official website will provide real-time updates, including constituency-wise results and leading candidates throughout the day. The Times of India will also offer continuous coverage online, featuring updated data, trends, and expert analysis as the results unfold.Click here for TOI's live coverage.Exit polls indicate a victory for the NDA, projecting the ruling coalition to secure between 16 and 20 seats. The Congress-DMK alliance is expected to win around 6 to 8 seats, while smaller parties, including actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), may capture a few constituencies.If these projections hold, AINRC founder-president N Rangasamy is set to become chief minister for a fifth term. He previously held the post twice as a Congress leader before forming the AINRC in 2011 and leading it to victory that same year, and again in 2021 in partnership with the BJP.A win for the NDA would also mark the first time a government has been re-elected in Puducherry since Rangasamy led the Congress to victory in 2006.