Ernakulam local-body bypolls record 58.14% turnout
A total of 5,816 of 10,003 registered voters cast ballots in four local-body wards in Ernakulam district, producing an overall turnout of 58.14%. Polling was strongest in three grama panchayat wards, while the Ayyappankavu division of Kochi Corporation recorded 46.91%.
Four local-body wards in Kerala’s Ernakulam district recorded an overall voter turnout of 58.14 per cent in by-elections held on Monday. Of 10,003 registered voters, 5,816 cast ballots. The three grama panchayat wards recorded higher participation, while the Ayyappankavu division of Kochi Corporation had turnout of 46.91 per cent.
In Ayyappankavu, 3,009 of 6,415 voters participated. The United Democratic Front fielded A.K. Ajithkumar, while P.K.
Usman represented the Left Democratic Front and K.V. Bijoy the National Democratic Alliance. The vacancy followed Congress councillor Deepak Joy’s election as the Thripunithura MLA.
Kolencherry East Ward in Poothrukka grama panchayat recorded the highest turnout, at 81.61 per cent. The contest there involved UDF’s Saramma Paily Pillai, LDF’s Neethu Joy and Twenty20’s Deenamma Jacob. The bypoll followed the resignation of Twenty20 councillor Pooja Jomon after her party joined the NDA.
Puliyanam East Ward in Parakkadavu panchayat recorded 75.86 per cent turnout. Mallika Ravi contested for the UDF, Sugandhi Joshi for the LDF and Sandra Subrahmanian for the NDA. The seat became vacant after LDF councillor Raji Rajeev resigned to take a job overseas.
Madaplathuruth ward in Vadakkekara panchayat recorded 78.27 per cent turnout. UDF candidate Jose Kuniyanthodath faced Laiju Joseph of the LDF and P.R. San of the NDA.
The results were scheduled to be declared on Tuesday, September 29.
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