India
Phase 1 of Jharkhand elections: Women’s turnout surpasses male participation by 4.8% – Times of India
The state witnessed an overall EVM emergence of 66.6 percent, which is 2.7 percentage points higher than the 63.9 polling recorded in the 2019 parliamentary elections. The female EVM turnout was just over 69 percent, while male voters lagged behind with a participation rate of only 64.3 percent. Voters of the third gender achieved a turnout of 31 percent.
The above turnout figures refer only to votes polled at EVMs. Postal ballots – given to employed voters and absentee voters (seniors over 85 years of age, persons with disabilities, and those performing essential services or electoral duties) – will only be considered at the time of counting. A daily report of postal ballots received is provided to all candidates.
As for the Assembly (AC) constituency, there are 37 ACs – out of the 43 that voted on November 13 – that recorded a higher turnout of women than men. Only six ACs – Potka, Jugsalai, Jamshedpur East, Seraikella, Tamar and Khunti – recorded a higher election percentage among men, although the gender gap in four of these six ACs was less than one percentage point. On the other hand, the difference between women and men turnout in Barkatha AC and Barhi AC was almost 17 percentage points and 15 percentage points respectively.
Baharagora AC witnessed the highest overall turnout at 79.3 percent, driven by women voters with 81.6 percent participation. Kharsawan followed with a total turnout of 79.1 percent and almost 80 percent of female voters.
Ranchi witnessed urban apathy and recorded the lowest polling of 52.5 percent. While 13 of the 43 ACs covered in phase 1 recorded a turnout of more than 70 percent, the polling for 25 ACs was between 60 and 70 percent and for 5 ACs it was below 60 percent.
