Kerala records 69.78 per cent polling in first phase

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 23 (UNI) In the first phase of Kerala Assembly elections held yesterday, 69.78 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nalini Netto said today.

Alappuzha district recorded the highest of 76.14 per cent, while the lowest of 64.16 per cent was registered in Thiruvananthapuram district, she told reporters here.

Idukki district recorded the second highest of 71.06 per cent, followed by Kottayam 70.96 per cent, Kollam district 70.27 per cent and Pathanamthitta 68.36 per cent, she said.

Ms Netto said Cherthala constituency in Alappuzha district registered the highest polling of 79.26 per cent, while the lowest of 51.28 per cent was recorded in Thiruvananthapuram West.

Compared to last Assembly elections held in 2001, except in Kottayam district, the polling percentage had come down in the other five districts which went to polls, she pointed out.

As per the standing orders of the Election Commission, her office had sent relevent documents of 581 polling stations, that recorded more than 80 per cent of votes, she said.

This was the first time such a system was introduced in the state, she added.

Ms Netto said no bogus votes were cast this time as strict measures were taken.

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