The highest turnout across 125 talukas at 74.89% was registered in Parbhani district, followed closely by Kolhapur (74.45%) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (72.69%).Three districts recorded turnout above 70% out of the 12 that went to polls. Six districts fell in the 65%–70% range, while three remained below 65%, SEC data showed. In certain talukas, particularly in Kolhapur district, voter participation touched 80%.SEC chief Dinesh Waghmare said voting extended beyond the scheduled time in several areas. “Citizens were already in queues before 5.30pm and, therefore, voting continued till late in some interior rural parts. Voting percentages for ZP polls are usually high, as was the trend observed in earlier local body elections too,” he told TOI.The turnout compared favourably with other recent local body polls. Municipal council elections had recorded around 68% turnout, while elections to 29 municipal corporations averaged only 55%, indicating stronger voter engagement in rural local governance, said a poll expert.Male voters registered slightly higher participation at 69.6%, compared to 66.8% among women. However, female voter registration — 1.01 crore — was nearly at par with male registration of 1.06 crore — pointing to improved gender parity. Among those who voted, 74.06 lakh were men and 67.84 lakh women.The polls were keenly watched for political indications, particularly on the future direction and unity of the NCP, whose factions contested in alliance in parts of western Maharashtra. The elections, originally scheduled for Feb 5, were postponed to Feb 7 following the death of Ajit Pawar and declaration of three days of state mourning.Polling was held in Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Dharashiv and Latur districts.Political experts said the results would serve as a litmus test for all major parties. “The outcome will be crucial for the BJP, Shiv Sena factions, NCP factions and the Congress, as control of ZPs and PSs determines the implementation of rural development programmes and welfare schemes,” an expert said.Counting of votes will take place on Feb 9 at taluka-level centres from 10am, after which the model code of conduct will be lifted, election officials said.
