Tamil Nadu elections 2016: Final tally 74.26%, more women vote than men

Tamil Nadu recorded an overall voter turnout of 74.26 per cent in elections held for 232 assembly constituencies yesterday with more women voting than men. Out of the total 234 constituencies, polling was held in 232 barring Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies where voting has been postponed over alleged illegal activities of candidates and parties involving distribution of inducements including money and gifts.

In the 232 constituencies, the total number of voters were 5,77,33,574 and out of them 4,28,73,674 exercised their franchise which is 74.26 per cent, state Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni said in a tweet today.

Interestingly 2,16,28,807 women voted, while the number of men who cast their franchise was lower at 2,12,44,129.

A total of 3,776 candidates are in the fray in 234 constituencies with RK Nagar seat topping the list with 45 nominees including Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa in the fray. Out of the total candidates, 3,454 were men, 320 women and two transgenders.

Election Commission had taken a wide range of measures to encourage voting and achieve 100 per cent turnout.

Counting of votes will be taken up on May 19. Polling in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur will take place on May 23 and the counting of votes on May 25.