The Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency has recorded 79.6 per cent polling in the election held on Thursday.
Heavy polling was recorded early in the day, through it dampened considerably with the heat rising. In most polling booths, 40 to 60 per cent voters had cast their votes by noon. However, the polling was slow from around 10.30 a.m. till 3 p.m. after which it gathered momentum and peaked by 5 p.m.
The polling was rather peaceful in the constituency except for some minor scuffles. There was mild tension between some political leaders and the police at Koduvally when the leaders tried entering the polling station. Later, security was tightened at the polling station.
Paramilitary forces were deployed all across the district while armed personnel were posted at sensitive booths and Maoist-infested areas in the deeper pockets of the constituency.
Several polling stations witnessed confusion when booth-level officers insisted that voters present their voter id cards instead of merely showing voters’ slips. The Returning Officers demanded that the voters produce some proper Identity card, like the Voter’s ID or passport.
At the polling station in Chanthu Memorial AUP School on Palazhi Road, Mayor A.K. Premajam intervened to amicably settle the dispute between poll officials and voters in this regard.
Faulty EVMsFaulty voting machines interrupted voting in several booths like in Malabar Christian College and Payyanakkal Government High School. The voting resumed after fresh machines were brought an hour later.
The arrangements made for the convenience of the voters were much appreciated. The voters did not have to stand under the sun, as there were either permanent or make-shift shelters in almost all the booths. Ramps were constructed for the physically challenged voters. Drinking water and toilet facilities were also set up everywhere. Special consideration was given to the elderly and sick voters.
