Puducherry Assembly election: April 9 polling set for 9.5 lakh voters across four regions

Puducherry will vote on April 9, with around 9.5 lakh voters deciding the fate of 294 candidates across 30 Assembly seats in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar said polling begins at 7 am, with vulnerable booths identified, women and youth-run stations, voter assistance, wheelchairs, and drone monitoring.

Nearly 9.50 lakh voters are set to choose among 294 candidates in the Puducherry Assembly elections on April 9. Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar said all steps were in place for orderly polling. Voting is scheduled to start at 7 am across Puducherry and the enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Together, these areas have 30 Assembly seats.

Alongside the poll preparations, a multi-cornered contest is taking shape in the union territory. The NDA includes AINRC, BJP, AIADMK and LJK. It is being challenged by the INDIA bloc of the Congress, DMK and the VCK. Actor Vijays TVK is also contesting across the union territory as another force.

Puducherry Assembly elections polling stations and safety

The union territory has 1,099 polling stations, and 209 were marked as vulnerable, Jawahar told the media. Thirty booths are to be run only by women staff. Fifteen polling stations are to be handled by young officers. Two booths are to be operated by persons with disabilities. Authorities also reported 24,919 new voters.

District Election Officer A Kulothungan said security was tightened at every polling location. The plan includes surveillance cameras at booths and a webcasting facility. Officials said these steps aim to improve monitoring and response during voting. Arrangements were also presented as part of wider efforts to support voters and staff during the poll process.

Puducherry Assembly elections voter assistance and accessibility

Jawahar said senior citizens and differently-abled voters are to get help from volunteers at booths. Volunteers are to assist voters in reaching polling stations and returning home safely. Wheelchairs are to be provided where needed. The election authorities said 2,200 young voters were engaged to support these services across locations.

Puducherry Assembly elections monitoring, seizures and code cases

Jawahar said drones were used for monitoring during the campaign period. The drone checks helped identify people involved in actions that could affect fair polling. Officials said cash and liquor were seized after such surveillance. Authorities seized Rs 77.25 lakh at different points. Liquor worth Rs 68.50 lakh was also seized.

Jawahar said 17 cases were registered for alleged Model Code of Conduct violations in recent weeks. Another 24 people were booked for allegedly handing out cash to influence voters. Officials treated these actions as part of poll-related enforcement. The figures were shared as authorities continued checks ahead of the April 9 voting day.

Puducherry Assembly elections candidates, constituencies and observers

In an official release, Jawahar said 40 of the 294 candidates are women. Oulgaret, Mudaliarpet, Nellithope and Nettapakkam reserved constituencies have 14 candidates each. This is the highest number of contestants in any segment for the April 9 polls. Oussudu reserved constituency has five contestants, officials said.

Jawahar said a nine-member delegation from six countries will watch the polling process on Thursday. The group includes Kyrgyz Republic, Ivory Coast, Moldova, Mongolia, Guyana and Bhutan. The delegation is to visit booths at VOC Government Boys Higher Secondary school on Mission street. Another visit is planned at Government Middle school in Kizhoor village.

Other parties are also in the contest, including the CPI, CPIM, Naam Tamizhar Katchi and smaller outfits. Among key candidates, AINRC leader and Chief Minister N Rangasamy is contesting from Thattanchavady and Mangalam segments. Polling is scheduled to begin at 7 am on April 9, with officials stating that staffing, security, and voter support plans were readied.

With inputs from PTI