Kolkata: West Bengal poll participation reached a record high of 92.47% in the 2026 Assembly elections, marking the highest voter turnout since Independence.
According to official data, Phase-II recorded a turnout of 91.66%. Earlier, Phase-I had reported 93.19% participation. Therefore, the combined turnout across both phases stood at 92.47%. This figure surpassed the previous highest of 84.72% recorded in 2011.
Officials stated that the figures remain provisional. They do not include service voters and postal ballots. However, the trend indicates a significant rise in voter engagement across the state.
Gender-wise data showed strong participation from all groups. Male turnout stood at 91.74%, while female turnout reached 93.24%. Participation from the third gender was also recorded, reflecting broader inclusivity in the electoral process.
West Bengal poll participation rises across phases
Authorities conducted polling across 24 districts and 294 Assembly constituencies. A total electorate of about 6.81 crore participated in the elections. Moreover, officials deployed over 4.26 lakh polling staff and set up more than 85,000 polling stations.
The Election Commission ensured live webcasting at all polling stations during Phase-II. As a result, officials monitored the process closely in real time. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with other commissioners, reviewed polling trends throughout the day.
Officials introduced several voter-friendly measures during the elections. These included colour photos of candidates on EVM ballot papers and mobile deposit facilities. In addition, redesigned voter slips improved readability and access to information.
Polling stations also provided wheelchairs and volunteers for persons with disabilities. Authorities arranged transport facilities to assist such voters. Therefore, these measures contributed to higher participation levels.
Presiding officers updated polling data through the ECINET platform. This ensured timely reporting of voter turnout trends. Meanwhile, officials said district-wise data remains available on the ECINET app.
The Election Commission stated that final turnout figures would be released later. However, the current data highlights an unprecedented level of public participation in the electoral process.
