Guwahati, Apr 11 (PTI) A record 85.96 per cent of Assam’s 2.50 crore electorate exercised their franchise in the April 9 assembly polls, the Election Commission said on Saturday.
This marks the highest voter turnout in the state’s history, surpassing the previous high of 84.72 per cent recorded in 2016, when the BJP first came to power. The turnout had dipped to 82.04 per cent in 2021 when polling was held under COVID-19 protocols.
After the close of polling on Thursday, the EC estimated the turnout at 85.64, which was revised to 85.91 on Friday.
The EC updated the turnout figures as data from all polling stations came in, an official said.
Women voters outnumbered men, recording a turnout of 86.54 per cent compared to 85.37 per cent among male voters. Around 35.85 per cent of third-gender voters also exercised their franchise.
Turnout among both male and female voters saw an increase from 2021 levels, which stood at 82.05 per cent and 82.04 per cent, respectively.
Among constituencies, Birsing-Jarua, Jaleswar and Srijangram in Dhubri district recorded the highest turnout at 96.54 per cent, 96.28 per cent and 96.07 per cent, respectively.
The lowest turnout was recorded in New Guwahati at 72.37 per cent, followed by Dispur at 75.04 per cent and Guwahati Central at 76.07 per cent, all in the Kamrup (Metro) district.
As many as 24 constituencies, largely in minority-dominated areas, recorded turnout exceeding 90 per cent — more than three times the seven such seats in 2021. Seven constituencies witnessed polling above 95 per cent.
All 11 assembly segments under the Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency registered over 90 per cent turnout.
In Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s constituency, turnout stood at 82.04 per cent, slightly lower than 82.34 per cent in 2021.
In contrast, Jorhat, where state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi is contesting, saw an increase to 78.64 per cent from 74.67 per cent in the previous polls.
Voter turnout in most other constituencies across the state also recorded an increase, which officials attributed to the Special Revision exercise and intensified voter awareness programmes.
The fate of 722 candidates across 126 constituencies has been sealed in these elections. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.
The BJP is aiming to retain power in the state for the third successive term, while the Congress is trying to reclaim the state it lost in 2016. PTI DG DG SOM
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