Higher women voter turnout in 32% of Lok Sabha constituencies

Greater women voter turnout in India is a positive indicator of democratic health.

In 137 of the 427 Lok Sabha seats for which voter turnout data is available, women accounted for a higher percentage of votes cast than men, a Times of India report has said.

As many as 429 seats have been voted for in the first five phases of the staggered Lok Sabha elections. The sixth phase of polling will be on May 25 in which 58 seats, including seven in Delhi, will go to the polls. 

Greater women voter turnout is a positive indicator of democratic health, gender inclusivity, and socio-political development, say experts. It often coincides with improved social indicators such as literacy rates, access to information and economic participation.

Voting patterns among women can significantly impact electoral outcomes. Women voters may prioritise different issues than their male counterparts, potentially leading to the election of candidates or parties that address these concerns, experts say.

In the first five phases, in nearly 32 percent of the seats, the female voter percentage was higher, the ToI report said. The trend was notable in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, the report said, citing the Election Commission data.

In 20 seats in Bihar, women voter percentage was higher in the last four phases. In the first phase, only Jamui constituency had a higher women turnout. Voting has been completed in 24 of the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar.

Women voter percentage was higher in eight constituencies in Jharkhand, five in Odisha and 18 in West Bengal constituencies, the report said.

A higher turnout can also reflect a shift in gender dynamics, as women assert their preferences in political matters. This shift can lead to greater consideration of women's issues in political platforms and policies, say experts.

The women's voter turnout was higher in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the percentage of male voters was higher.

The trend may vary across different regions and communities, reflecting localised efforts to increase women's participation in politics. For instance, states with higher literacy rates and better gender equality measures might show higher women voter turnout.