Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Puducherry, Apr 9: Polling for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections concluded smoothly on Thursday, with the Union Territory witnessing a historic voter turnout. Citizens across all 30 constituencies participated enthusiastically, signaling a robust democratic exercise.

Voting began at 7 am. and ended at 6 pm, and preliminary data from the Election Commission of India reported an impressive 89.83% turnout, the highest in Puducherry’s electoral history. This surpasses the previous record of 86% set in 2006 and the 82.2% turnout recorded in the 2021 Assembly elections. Officials noted that the final figure could rise slightly after full compilation.

The electorate, comprising roughly 9.5 lakh voters, demonstrated strong engagement across all regions, including Puducherry (23 constituencies), Karaikal (five), Mahe (one), and Yanam (one). Gender-wise participation was notably inclusive, with 88.09% of male voters, 91.33% of female voters, and 91.81% of third-gender voters casting their ballots.

Political observers interpret the high turnout as a sign of heightened awareness and voter enthusiasm in a closely contested election. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the All India N.R. Congress, seeks to retain power, while the opposition INDIA bloc—including Congress, DMK, and VCK—aims for a comeback.

The elections have also seen new entrants generating public interest. Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and actor-director Senthamizhan Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi are vying to influence voting dynamics across multiple constituencies.

Vote counting is scheduled for May 4, when the election outcome will determine the political trajectory of the Union Territory, which became part of India in 1963 under the Union Territories Act.