72.67% turnout for phase I of polling despite COVID-19 scare
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The first phase of the native physique elections held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki districts on Tuesday witnessed a voter turnout of 72.67%, a comparatively larger polling proportion than anticipated given the COVID-19 scare.
Nonetheless, the turnout was low in comparison with 2015 when the 5 districts had averaged 75.74%.
The figures for Tuesday’s polls are based mostly on knowledge accessible at 8.15 p.m. on Tuesday. There might be minor variations within the closing figures, the State Election Commission (SEC) mentioned. The encouraging turnout within the first phase however the COVID-19 issue mirrored the general public’s religion in democracy and elections, V. Bhaskaran, State Election Commissioner, mentioned.
Among the 5 districts, Alappuzha recorded the very best turnout with 77.23%, adopted by Idukki 74.56%. Kollam 73.41%, Thiruvananthapuram 69.76% and Pathanamthitta 69.70%. In the 2015 version of the native physique polls, Thiruvananthapuram district had recorded a turnout of 71.9%, Kollam 74.9%, Pathanamthitta 72.5%, Alappuzha 79.7% and Idukki 79.7%, based on knowledge furnished by the fee.
Meanwhile, the polling proportion in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the scene of a stiff electoral battle between the CPI(M)-led LDF and the BJP, fell to 59.73% this time from 62.9% in 2015. The turnout in Kollam Corporation additionally fell from 69.9% in 2015 to 66.06% in 2020.
COVID-19 sufferers vote
Polling began at a brisk tempo at 7 a.m. and half the voters had exercised their franchise by 1.30 p.m. Many electors who had examined constructive for SARS-CoV-2 or prescribed quarantine after 3 p.m. on Monday forged their votes instantly on the polling cubicles carrying PPE kits after different voters had left the premises. Polling officers additionally obtained them carrying protecting gear. The closing figures on this regard are anticipated to be out on Wednesday.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala referred to as for pressing intervention of the SEC alleging political bias on the half of sure particular polling officers (SPO) deputed to ship the particular postal poll papers.
This was evident in districts, together with Thrissur, Mr. Chennithala mentioned in a press release. Such officers ought to urgently be faraway from election-related duties, he mentioned. No steps had been taken on complaints lodged with the election officers, Mr. Chennithala mentioned.
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