Election authorities reported steady participation in the first two hours, supported by special arrangements for first-time voters, senior citizens and differently-abled citizens. Facilities include volunteers, wheelchairs, braille ballots and assistance through the Saksham mobile application.
Puducherry 2026 Assembly elections 2026: Voter turnout
Early voter turnout stood at 17.41% till 9 am, with steady queues reported across polling stations in Puducherry and its enclaves. Authorities expect participation to rise further as the day progresses, aided by voter-friendly facilities and smooth polling arrangements.
List of constituencies in Puducherry
| Assembly constituency | Voter turnout (%) |
| Ariankuppam | 18.51 |
| Bahour | 16.46 |
| Embalam (SC) | 19.47 |
| Indira Nagar | 17.96 |
| Kadirgamam | 17.57 |
| Kalapet | 16.02 |
| Kamaraj Nagar | 17.52 |
| Karaikal North | 18.49 |
| Karaikal South | 17.31 |
| Lawspet | 17.68 |
| Mahe | 13.42 |
| Manavely | 16.26 |
| Mannadipet | 18.39 |
| Mudaliarpet | 18.05 |
| Muthialpet | 16.22 |
| Nedungadu (SC) | 17.23 |
| Nellithope | 16.62 |
| Neravy T.R. Pattinam | 16.83 |
| Nettapakkam (SC) | 16.13 |
| Orleampeth | 17.62 |
| Ossudu (SC)18.07 | 18.07 |
| Ou | 18.05 |
Tight security and surveillance
The Election Commission has deployed extensive security and monitoring systems to ensure a free and fair vote. Drone surveillance is being used to track electoral malpractice, leading to seizures of Rs 77.25 lakh in cash and Rs 68.5 lakh in liquor allegedly meant to influence voters.
A total of 4,836 government personnel, 2,791 police staff, 173 micro-observers and 2,198 student volunteers have been deployed. All polling stations are equipped with basic amenities such as seating, drinking water, toilets, ramps, signage and webcasting facilities.
Special polling stations introduced
Authorities have set up 30 polling stations managed entirely by women, 15 by young officers and two fully operated by persons with disabilities, aimed at promoting inclusivity and participation.
Key political contest
The election is witnessing a direct contest between the ruling NDA alliance — comprising NR Congress, BJP, AIADMK and LJK — and the opposition Congress-DMK bloc. Chief minister N Rangasamy is contesting from Thattanchavady and Mangalam.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has emerged as a significant third force, adding unpredictability in several constituencies. Other parties such as CPI, CPI(M) and Naam Tamizhar Katchi are also in the fray.
Core issues shaping the vote
The demand for full statehood remains a central issue. The ruling alliance argues that alignment with the Centre ensures smoother governance, while the opposition claims friction with the Lieutenant Governor has curtailed the Union Territory’s autonomy, turning the election into a referendum on “lost powers”.
Economic concerns including rising living costs, unemployment and the proposed privatisation of the electricity department are also key voter issues. The NDA is banking on welfare schemes and subsidies, while the opposition is focusing on economic challenges and job creation.
What lies ahead
With polling underway and counting scheduled for May 4, voters across Puducherry and its enclaves will determine whether the NDA retains power or if the opposition and emerging players reshape the region’s political landscape.
