Kollam Local Body Elections Begin with 15.65% Voter Turnout

Polling for the local body elections in Kollam commenced on March 11, 2024, with a recorded voter turnout of 15.65% by 10:00 AM, according to data from the Election Commission. The participation rate has shown a steady increase during the early hours, with officials noting that more voters began arriving at polling stations after 9:00 AM.

In terms of specific areas, the Kollam Corporation experienced a lower turnout of 12.49%. Municipalities exhibited varying levels of engagement, with Paravur showcasing the highest turnout at 15.66%. Kottarakkara followed closely with 15.62%, while Punalur reported the lowest participation among municipalities, with only 14% of registered voters casting their ballots by the morning hour.

Voter Engagement Across Districts

The district panchayat recorded a turnout of 15.65%, reflecting a consistent level of participation across various blocks. Other blocks, such as Sasthamkotta (15.85%), Anchal (15.62%), Chittumala (15.37%), and Chavara (14.99%), also demonstrated moderate voter engagement.

Notably, rural areas showed higher voter participation, particularly in block panchayat segments. Chadayamangalam topped the rural turnout at 17%, followed by Ochira at 16.77%, Ithikkara at 16.6%, and Kottarakkara block at 16.3%. This trend highlights a robust engagement from communities outside urban centers, indicating a strong democratic participation in rural regions.

As the day progresses, officials expect turnout to increase as more voters become active later in the day. The culmination of this local election will provide insights into the political landscape of Kollam and reflect the community’s priorities and engagement in local governance.