Ernakulam district witnessed a strong voter turnout of nearly 75% as polling for 111 local bodies ended Tuesday. By 7:45 p.m., turnout stood at 74.52%, surpassing the 2020 figure of 72.49%. Municipalities recorded 75.09% turnout, while tri-level panchayats hit 77.14%. Kochi Corporation had a lower 62.44% turnout, similar to past polls. Voting started at 7 a.m., and by 10 a.m., 22.52% had voted. The figure crossed 50% by 1 p.m. Key leaders voted locally: Industries Minister P. Rajeeve at St. Paul’s College, Kalamasery; Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan at Kesari College, North Paravur; and District Collector G. Priyanka at SRV School, Ernakulam. The polls are seen as a semifinal before next year’s Assembly elections. Political parties showed confidence. District Congress Committee president Muhammed Shiyas said, "The UDF will score an unparalleled victory this time. It was an election that saw absolute political discussion. The initial surge in polling indicates that the people were determined to vote against the LDF rule in the State." LDF district secretary S. Sathish asserted, "There was no anti-incumbency in voting. Had there been a trend against the government, there would have been a surge in poll percentage." BJP district president K.S. Shyju predicted wins in more Corporation wards, Thripunithura municipality, and Kuzhuppilly grama panchayat. Results will be revealed on Saturday.