Madurantakam, Dharapuram by-polls: Counting preparations begin
Polling for the Madurantakam and Dharapuram Assembly by-elections concluded on Tuesday evening, with election officials now turning their attention to the secure storage of electronic voting machines and preparations for the October 9 counting process.
Voting began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm in both constituencies. Security was strengthened at polling stations and other sensitive locations, with police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed throughout the polling exercise.
Once voting ended, the EVMs were sealed in the presence of candidates and their authorised representatives before being moved to designated strong rooms. The machines will remain under round-the-clock security until counting day.
Madurantakam has 285 polling stations, while Dharapuram has 320. Together, the two constituencies witnessed a contest involving 49 candidates — 27 in Madurantakam and 22 in Dharapuram.
Officials described the polling as largely peaceful. Some booths experienced minor technical problems involving EVMs and VVPAT units, but the issues were addressed without significantly affecting the voting process. Complaints raised by representatives of political parties were also examined by election officials.
The Election Commission has put arrangements in place for counting on October 9. The sealed machines will be opened according to established procedures in the presence of election officials and authorised candidate representatives.
Turnout, however, was lower than during the April Assembly election. Madurantakam recorded approximately 86.26% voting, compared with 93.22% previously. Dharapuram registered around 80.30%, down from 89.89% in April.
The bypoll results are expected to draw significant political attention, with both constituencies being closely watched as an important electoral test for the TVK government following its assumption of office.
The results on October 9 will determine the fate of all 49 candidates and are likely to trigger considerable political interest across Tamil Nadu.