Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accompanied by Election Commissioners S S Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held a review meeting on April 10 with Central Observers deployed across Tamil Nadu in preparation for the Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, 2026.
The meeting included General, Police, and Expenditure Observers responsible for overseeing the electoral process in the state. The Commission directed the observers to ensure the elections are conducted in a festive atmosphere, free from inducement, intimidation, and violence, guaranteeing free and fair voting.
On April 9, following the conclusion of Assembly polls voting, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar congratulated voters in Assam, Puducherry, and Kerala, describing the polls as a “testimony” to democracy worldwide.
He stated, “Assembly Elections 2026 in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are a historic testimony not only for India but for the entire democratic World. On behalf of ECI, I congratulate each and every elector of Assam, Puducherry and Kerala for this historic achievement. Chunav ka Parv, Matdaata ka Garv.”
Polling took place on April 9 for the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Assam and Puducherry recorded their highest-ever voter turnout, with 85.38 per cent and 89.83 per cent respectively. Previously, the record turnouts were 84.67 per cent for Assam in 2016 and 86.19 per cent for Puducherry in 2011, according to a press release from the Election Commission of India.
Assam reported a total turnout of 85.38 per cent, including female participation at 85.96 per cent, slightly higher than male participation at 84.80 per cent. The third gender turnout stood at 36.84 per cent.
Kerala had a total turnout of 78.03 per cent, with females participating at 80.86 per cent, males at 75.01 per cent, and a third gender turnout of 57.04 per cent.
Puducherry recorded the highest overall participation at 89.83 per cent, with the third gender category achieving 91.81 per cent turnout.