Dip in polling percentage; both LDF and UDF exude confidence about victory in Kerala by-election

Thiruvananthapuram: As polling concludes for the by-election to the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and the Chelakkara assembly constituency, the dip in voter turnout in Wayanad has left both the LDF and UDF crossing their fingers in hopes of victory.

Although polling began at 7 a.m. in both constituencies, it extended beyond the permitted time of 6 p.m., with long queues of people waiting to cast their votes even after the stipulated time. While the polling percentage in Chelakkara remained almost the same as in the 2021 assembly election, the dip in turnout in Wayanad has cast a shadow of uncertainty over both parties. The low turnout in the morning continued into the afternoon in Wayanad.

According to the Election Commission, the final polling percentage in Wayanad stood at 64.53%, compared to 73.57% in the general election. This drop has particularly sent jitters through the UDF camp, as although they remain confident of repeating their victory in this constituency, the lower turnout could affect their margin of victory.

“The disappointing turnout is due to the imposition of an unnecessary election on the voters,” said LDF candidate Sathyan Mokeri. “All LDF votes have been cast,” he added, expressing confidence in his party's performance.

Meanwhile, the overall polling percentage in Chelakkara stood at 72.54%, down from 77% in the 2021 assembly election. While the LDF believes it can retain the seat, the UDF is hopeful of wresting it back, citing a visible anti-incumbency wave in the constituency.