Tamil Nadu polls see highest voter turnout since 1967

Chennai, April 14: Tamil Nadu recorded the highest voter turn-out in 44 years, on April 13 when the assembly elections for the state were held. According to Praveen Kumar, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the voter turnout was between 75 to 80 percent.

The last time Tamil Nadu had witnessed such heavy footfalls for any polls was in 1967 with 76.57 percent. Ironically, it was the first time that the DMK came to power in the state by defeating the congress party.

Speaking at a press conference, Kumar said that since final figures from remote areas were awaited, the exact voter turnout can only be known on April 14. But certain reports predict that the final numbers could touch 80 percent.

Elaborating on the possible reasons for such a huge turnout, he said, “The cadre of political parties would have worked well, taking the message on the importance of voting, the youth would have voted in large numbers and the Election Commission"s awareness campaign would have worked. Besides, the severe measures of the EC, including seizure of money, would have created an election atmosphere."

He also informed that the polling was largely peaceful except for a few incidents. He also informed that, “A total of 53 people were arrested from different parts of the State on bribery charges on the night of April 11."

Unconfirmed reports say that Karur district registered the highest voting percentage of 86 while Chennai district authorities said the city polled 66 per cent, the lowest.

OneIndia News