Shimla, May 26
Women voters emerged as the driving force behind Himachal Pradesh’s Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections, outnumbering male voters across the state and reinforcing the growing role of women in grassroots democracy.
According to official data released by the State Election Commission covering 1,293 Panchayats and 7,729 wards, the overall voter turnout stood at an impressive 74.53 per cent, with more than 13.5 lakh voters exercising their franchise.
The elections witnessed a remarkable gender gap in participation. While 71.48 per cent of registered male voters cast their votes, female turnout reached an impressive 77.66 per cent, surpassing men by more than six percentage points.
The figures underline increasing political awareness and empowerment among rural women in Himachal Pradesh, where women voters have consistently played an active role in local body elections.
Only 49 voters were registered under the “Other” category across the state, of whom merely two cast their votes.
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Kullu district recorded the highest overall turnout in the state at 82.50 per cent. The district also witnessed balanced participation from both genders, with male turnout at 81.70 per cent and female turnout at 83.32 per cent.
Solan district followed closely with 79.04 per cent polling, while Una registered 78.25 per cent turnout. Una also recorded the highest female participation in the state, with an exceptional 82.61 per cent women voters exercising their franchise.
At the lower end, tribal district Kinnaur recorded the lowest voter turnout at 68.26 per cent, with male turnout at 68.52 per cent and female turnout at 68.01 per cent. Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti also remained below the state average, registering 70.82 per cent and 69.40 per cent turnout respectively.
Several districts recorded robust participation during the polls. Sirmaur reported 77.64 per cent turnout, Shimla 76.16 per cent and Mandi 74.65 per cent.
Interestingly, Shimla emerged as a rare exception to the statewide trend, where male turnout at 76.71 per cent slightly exceeded female turnout of 75.58 per cent.
Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra also registered respectable voter participation ranging between 71 and 73 per cent.
The Election Commission said that data from 287 wards was yet to be reported, while 11 tendered votes were recorded across the state.
The Panchayati Raj elections have once again highlighted the deep democratic participation in rural Himachal Pradesh, with women voters leading from the front and playing a decisive role in strengthening grassroots governance.
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