Polling in the Kochi Assembly constituency concluded peacefully on Thursday with a voter turnout of 75.01 percent (as of the latest information), marking a slight increase compared to the 74.06 percent turnout recorded in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections. Political observers say the improved turnout reflects increased voter engagement and active campaigning by political leaders in the constituency.

Kochi, one of the 140 constituencies in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, is located in Ernakulam district and is a General category seat. According to data from the Election Commission of India, the constituency has a total of 1,62,401 registered voters, including 78,987 male voters and 83,414 female voters. The Scheduled Caste population in the constituency stands at 3.05 percent, while the literacy rate is 95.68 percent, as per the 2011 Census.

Voters in the constituency had six candidates to choose from in the 2026 Assembly election. The candidates in the fray were Adv. Xavier Julappan (TTP), Aneesh Mattancherry (SDPI), Mohammed Shiyas (INC), K.J. Maxy (CPIM), and Ajeesh P.E (Independent).

Election officials reported that polling was largely smooth throughout the day across booths in the constituency. The higher turnout this year is being attributed mainly to the active role played by senior political leaders and campaign efforts that encouraged voters to come out and cast their ballots.

Looking at past election data, the Kochi constituency had 1,81,737 voters in the 2021 Assembly elections, including 88,469 male and 93,268 female voters. A total of 2,038 postal votes were cast in that election, while 81 service voters were registered (75 men and 6 women).

In the 2016 Assembly elections, the constituency had 1,71,192 voters, comprising 83,300 male and 87,892 female voters. That year, 291 postal votes were cast, and 164 service voters were registered (102 men and 62 women).

With polling now completed, attention has shifted to which candidate will benefit from the increased voter turnout in the constituency. Political analysts believe that the higher participation could play a significant role in determining the final outcome when votes are counted.

(This story is part of a Timeline. internship project “Whom They Voted For: Celebrating The Election Festival”. This internship project is being organised aimed at helping young minds understand the electoral process of the country.)