Urban areas dragged down Haryana Assembly poll turnout, says Election Commission

Gurgaon Assembly constituency recorded a turnout of 51.81%, 16.09 percentage points lower than the state average.

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The 90 constituencies of the Haryana Assembly went to polls on October 5. (Express photo by Manoj Dhaka)

Lower turnout in urban constituencies brought down voter turnout in the Haryana Assembly elections, which was recorded at 67.9%, the Election Commission said on Monday.

The 90 constituencies of the Haryana Assembly went to polls on October 5. The elections saw turnout slightly lower than the 2019 Assembly elections, which had 68.3% turnout. The male turnout (68.93%) was higher than female (66.73%), the EC said.

“Voters across rural areas turned up at polling stations with greater vigour. The disturbing trend of urban apathy, however, continues to significantly impact overall state voter turnout, with many urban constituencies in Haryana recording turnout rates 10% below the state average,” the EC said in a statement.

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For instance, Gurgaon Assembly constituency recorded a turnout of 51.81%, 16.09 percentage points lower than the state average. Faridabad, Panchkula, Ballabhgarh, Sonipat, Karnal and Badshahpur had turnouts between 8.53 and 14.63 percentage points lower than the state average.

Also Read | Congress likely to win Haryana, its alliance with NC has edge in J-K: Exit polls

“This trend of low urban participation mirrors similar patterns seen in previous assembly elections in Karnataka, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Countrywide various initiatives were undertaken by the Commission in the previous elections to motivate and engage the urban voters… However, despite the Commission’s intensive efforts to engage and motivate urban voters, the participation continues to be subpar,” the EC said.

The EC said it would further strengthen measures in the upcoming state elections like Maharashtra.

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