Puducherry, April 9 (IANS) Polling for the 2026 Puducherry Assembly elections concluded peacefully on Thursday evening, with voters turning out in record numbers across the Union Territory.

Voting, which began at 7 a.m. in all 30 constituencies, closed at 6 p.m., marking the end of a crucial electoral exercise that witnessed enthusiastic public participation.

According to data released by the Election Commission of India at 8:15 p.m., Puducherry recorded an impressive voter turnout of 89.83%, the highest in the history of the Union Territory.

The turnout surpassed the previous record of 86% set in 2006 and significantly improved upon the 82.2% polling registered in the 2021 Assembly elections.

Officials indicated that the final turnout figure could increase further once all data is compiled.

The Union Territory, which has an electorate of approximately 9.5 lakh voters, saw robust participation across all regions—Puducherry (23 constituencies), Karaikal (five), Mahe (one), and Yanam (one).

Gender-wise data revealed strong engagement among all sections of voters, with 88.09% of male voters, 91.33% of female voters, and 91.81% of third-gender voters exercising their franchise, reflecting an inclusive and participatory democratic process.

The high turnout is being seen as a sign of heightened political awareness and voter enthusiasm in a fiercely contested election.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC), is seeking to retain power, while the opposition INDIA bloc—comprising the Congress, DMK, and VCK—is aiming for a comeback.

Adding further intrigue to the contest is the entry of actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has generated significant public interest and is expected to influence voting patterns in several constituencies.

Actor-director Senthamizhan Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) is also in the fray, striving to expand its political footprint in the region.

The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on May 4, when the electoral verdict will determine the future political direction of the Union Territory.

Notably, Puducherry became part of the Indian Union in 1963 following the enactment of the Union Territories Act.

–IANS

aal/uk