Boxes containing Electronic Voting Machines being shifted from the Madurai Corporation office on April 20, 2026, ahead of the Assembly elections. | Photo Credit: Moorthy G.

Over 5.73 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 4,023 candidates in the fray for the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, amid tight security and a massive crackdown by election authorities to prevent inducements to influence voters.

The high-stakes contest primarily pits the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance against the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin seeking to retain power and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami fighting to return to the treasury benches after five years.

At a press conference in Chennai on April 22, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik said the State is fully prepared for the huge democratic exercise. “The total electoral strength stands at 5.73 crore, comprising 2.93 women, 2.83 crore men, and 7,728 third-gender persons,” Ms. Patnaik said. She noted that 14,59,039 first-time voters have been enrolled.

The CEO also stated that 243 rebuttals and clarifications were issued to counter misinformation on social media during the campaign period.

Delegates of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 will visit Tamil Nadu on April 22 and 23 to witness the polling process in the State. A total of 34 delegates from 17 countries, including representatives from their foreign missions in New Delhi and a representative of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), will participate in the second phase of the programme.

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Published - April 23, 2026 06:03 am IST