Women’s vote set to decide election outcome; female voters outnumber men by six percent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: High voter turnout in the state assembly elections was strongly driven by the participation of women voters. Around six percent more women than men turned up at polling booths. This indicates that women will play a decisive role in deciding the next government. Political fronts are hoping that the higher women’s vote will favour them.

Out of a total of 2.71 crore voters, women voters number 1,39,21,868. Among them, 1,13,03,164 cast their votes, recording a turnout of 81.19%. In 2021, the turnout among women was 73.94%, showing an increase of 7.25 percentage points this time. The turnout among men was 75.19%, compared to 73.85% in 2021, an increase of only 1.34 percentage points. These figures are based on data from the Election Commission’s ECI Net app.

According to the latest figures, the overall polling percentage in the state stands at 78.27%. The final turnout is yet to be officially announced and is expected today. The final figure will include service votes, postal votes, and home voting. It is estimated that the total turnout may cross 80%. There are around 1.46 lakh postal votes, 70,000 emergency votes, 53,000 service votes, and 2.45 lakh home votes.

Total voter turnout- 78.27
Number of constituencies that recorded more than 80% polling- 43

Highest polling in Kunnamangalam
The highest polling was recorded in Kunnamangalam constituency in Kozhikode district at 84.84%, followed by Kunnathunad in Ernakulam with 84.09%. The lowest turnout was in Ranni in Pathanamthitta at 68.98%.

Among districts, Kozhikode recorded the highest turnout at 81.36%, while Pathanamthitta recorded the lowest at 70.76%.

Did benefits attract voters?

• Welfare schemes such as the monthly financial assistance of Rs 1000 for unemployed women
• Election promises by political parties, including free travel and other benefits for women