Election Commission credits SIR for high voter turnout

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Election Commission stated that the transparent completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was the primary driver behind the increased voter turnout in the recent assembly elections.

"The target was to achieve 85% polling," the Commission noted. Addressing concerns regarding security, they clarified, "There is no dispute about the storage of voting machines in strong rooms. These facilities are under constant CCTV coverage, and representatives of recognized political parties will be provided facilities to verify this."

The Commission also addressed personnel concerns, stating that anyone on election duty who was unable to vote may approach the Commission or the courts directly.

The Commission reported that booth polling accounted for 78.27% of the 2,71,42,952 total registered votes. Furthermore, out of 376,971 eligible postal voters—including senior citizens, differently-abled persons, and essential workers—a total of 368,193 cast their ballots.

Responding to queries about data transparency, the Commission added:

"There was no delay in releasing the figures. Compiling the postal vote data took only three days, which is an exceptionally fast process by national standards. Final voting percentages for each constituency will be announced on counting day along with the index cards."

Official Vote Count

(Total eligible voters in brackets)

Votes in the machine - 2,12,43,942 (2,71,42,952)

Men -99,40,379 (1,32,20,811)

Women -1,13,03,410 (1,39,21,868)

Transgender -153 (273)

Postal vote- 3,68,193 (3,76,971)

Senior citizens -1,40,219 (Total 1,45,604)

Persons with disabilities -60,734 (62,159)

Essential services -32,172 (34,140)

Election duty -1,35,068

Still to be accounted- 53,984 services Votes