The average polling percentage in the general elections across 38 parliamentary constituencies that went to polls on April 18 stood at 71.87, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said on Friday.
The polling percentage for the 18 Assembly constituencies that went for bypolls on the same day was 75.57.
The Dharmapuri Lok Sabha constituency stood first with a polling percentage of 80.49, while Chennai South registered 56.41%, the lowest in the State.
Among Assembly constituencies, Sholinghur recorded the highest with 82.26%, followed by Harur with 82.08% and Perambur with 64.14%, the lowest.
Chennai’s record
The three parliamentary constituencies spread over the State capital witnessed the lowest polling percentage in the entire State: Chennai North, 63.47%, Chennai South, 56.34% and Chennai Central, 58.69%.
“This is not the final figure. Once the diaries of polling officers are compared with that of the general observers, there will be minor changes,” Mr. Sahoo told reporters.
Over 2.05 crore men exercised their franchise, against 2.11 crore women and 1,011 transpersons. The final polling percentage could be obtained on Friday evening, the officer said.
Since bypolls are scheduled in four Assembly constituencies in the State on May 19 and the notification would be issued on April 22, Mr. Sahoo said the model code of conduct would be in place in the respective districts.
Ink issue
To a query on why the indelible ink was marked on the right index finger of actor Rajinikanth, while the rule stated that the finger on the left hand finger should be inked, Mr. Sahoo said: “It appears to be a genuine mistake.”
All electrnoic voting machines and VVPAT units have been moved to counting centres across the State and kept in strong rooms.
CRPF personnel would form the first layer of the security ring followed by the State police.
“The EVMs and VVPATs were locked in the strong rooms in the presence of the agents of political parties.” People from whom money was seized for want of documents could get it back by producing relevant documents, he said.
In the remaining cases, the Income Tax Department would take action, Mr. Sahoo added.
