The 13 municipalities in Ernakulam recorded a total voter turnout of around 75% in the local body polls held on Tuesday (December 9). The total polling percentage was almost similar to the final turnout of 75.56% in the previous election held in 2020. According to estimates provided by the State Election Commission, by around 7.45 p.m., the 13 municipalities had a combined turnout of around 75.09%. The total turnout in municipalities reflected the overall polling percentage of 74.52% in Ernakulam this time. People stand in a queue to cast their vote at a polling booth in Thripunithura on December 9. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT The trend of an impressive turnout was visible by around noon, as eight municipalities had registered a voting percentage of over 25% each, almost five hours after the start of polling. The voter turnout in Aluva, Kalamassery, Thripunithura, and Thrikkakara was above 21% by noon. However, the situation turned around by 3 p.m. as the polling percentage in 12 municipalities had crossed the 60% mark. Thrikkakara, which had registered the lowest turnout in the previous election, had a polling percentage of 58% by 3.15 p.m., according to estimates by the State Election Commission. The overall turnout witnessed a spike when the figures were tallied at the close of polling by 6 p.m. The total turnout across the 13 municipalities was pegged at 79.13%, with five municipalities, including North Paravur, Eloor, Maradu, Muvattupuzha, and Perumbavoor, registering a voter turnout above 75%. Muvattupuzha had the highest turnout of 79.38% among the 13 municipalities. Thrikkakara could not buck the trend of having a low turnout when compared to other municipalities, as the total turnout was pegged at 67.8% at 6 p.m. However, it witnessed a marginal spike to reach 68.58% when the figures were tallied around 7.45 p.m. The campaign managers of the key fronts had attributed the dip to the non-availability of many voters, as they were either working in other States or abroad. They also recalled that a similar trend had prevailed in the elections held in 2020 and 2015. Candidates in such municipalities recalled a general trend of 10-15% of the electorate not being able to cast their votes in view of various factors.
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