Record Voter Turnout Reflects Trust in Democracy, Says CEC Gyanesh Kumar
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New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Celebrating the remarkable turnout in the initial phase of Assembly elections on Thursday, which is likely the highest in the last fifty years, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed his gratitude to voters and election officials, emphasizing that these significant participation numbers embody the citizens' faith in democracy.
"The 2026 Assembly Elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry stand as a historic milestone not just for India but for the global democratic community," said the CEC. By around 7 p.m., Puducherry reported an impressive turnout of 89.08%, Assam 85.04%, and Kerala 77.38%, with expectations of further increases in the final count.
"On behalf of the Election Commission of India (ECI), I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every elector in Assam, Puducherry, and Kerala for this extraordinary milestone," he stated, while election officials indicated that the turnout during this first phase could be the highest in the last fifty years.
Insiders noted that this unprecedented voter turnout over the past five decades indicates a profound trust in the ECI under the leadership of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Such overwhelming confidence in elections managed by the ECI reinforces India's position as a robust democracy.
The campaign "Chunav ka Parv, Matdaata ka Garv" played a significant role in achieving this record turnout, sources revealed.
According to Article 324 of the Constitution, the ECI is tasked with two primary responsibilities: preparing electoral rolls and conducting elections. The voting patterns observed on Thursday reflect that citizens have substantial confidence in both the transparent electoral process and the conduct of elections overseen by the ECI.
The polling percentages recorded in the three states and union territories have established new benchmarks.
Even before the finalization of the voting figures, the turnout numbers have exceeded the previous electoral turnout of 2021, when Puducherry saw 83.42%, Assam 82.42%, and Kerala approximately 76%. Notably, the turnout in 2021 showed a slight decline compared to 2016.