Low polling dims chances for favourable wave; fronts worried

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The polling percentage in the parliamentary elections falling sharply has completely shocked the calculations of all the fronts. 71.16 percent polling has been recorded. Slow voting process, malfunctioning machines and voter disinterestedness have contributed to this.

The polling percentage did not cross 72 despite the fact that polling continued even after ten o'clock at night. It is concluded that the possibility of a favourable wave for any front has been eliminated. The vote percentage of the BJP front is likely to rise, which will be decisive in the verdict. It was estimated that the polling would reach 80 percent due to the fiery campaign and the heavy rain of controversy.

Each front have their reasons to worry regarding the polling. When it is the steep drop in polling from 77.84 percent in 2019 for UDF, it is not reaching the 74 percent polling in the 2021 Assembly polls for the LDF. For NDA it is the low turnout of voters in Thiruvananthapuram where a tight triangular contest took place.

The fronts sensed trouble as the long queue seen in the morning at the booths disappeared and many booths became empty as the sun got harsh. Long queues reappeared only by the evening. In 2019, polling was above 80 percent in eight constituencies namely Alappuzha, Chalakudy, Alathur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Vadakara, Kannur and Kasaragod. Above 75 in six constituencies namely Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram. The main reason why the UDF won all 19 seats on that day was the increase in polling. This time polling did not even reach 75 percent in any seat.

Will 2014 repeat?

Turnout could be up by two percentage this time when postal votes and at-home votes are added. Then, it will be almost similar to the 2014 parliamentary elections. The polling back then was 73.94 %.

UDF had won 12 seats and LDF won 8 seats in 2014. UDF won in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Mavelikara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Vadakara, Wayanad, Malappuram and Ponnani seats. Attingal, Idukki, Chalakudy, Thrissur, Alathur, Palakkad, Kannur and Kasaragod seats were won by LDF. BJP's strong presence will have to be taken into account this time.

UDF blaming the officials

UDF leaders are blaming the polling officials for the slow pace of polling and the delay till night. The aim is clear when it is said that this happened in pro-UDF booths. The LDF explained that the UDF is afraid of defeat.