The over 78 percent polling recorded in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls held Monday in five constituencies in Assam has left political parties and candidates elated.
Election officials Tuesday declared the final polling percentage in the five constituencies of Tezpur, Jorhat, Kaliabor, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur at 78.72 percent.
Assam had recorded 69.7 percent polling in the entire state in the 2009 polls.
Kaliabor recorded the highest polling percent at 75.94, followed by Jorhat with 75.68 and Tezpur, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur with 74 percent, 72.56 percent and 74.19 percent respectively.
"People came out in large numbers as they want a change. They have been suffering a lot due to price rise and various issues," said Bharatiya Janata Party candidate in Jorhat, Kamakhya Prasad Tasa.
State Congress president Bhubaneswar Kalita also expressed satisfaction over the polling and said the increase in percentage will help his party and the government.
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The introduction of the voter identity card by the Election Commission also influenced people to turn up in such huge numbers, officials say.
Around 95 percent of the total 1,87,22,435 electorate in the state were provided the identity card.
Voters could also cast their ballot by producing passports, driving licenses, bank passbook with photographs, PAN card etc.
Three Lok Sabha constituencies - Silchar, Karimganj and Diphu (autonomous district) - will go to the polls April 12, while six seats - Gauhati, Barpeta, Nowgong, Dhubri, Kokrajhar and Mangaldai - will vote April 24.