Vote Counting Begins for Assembly Elections in Multiple States

India: The Election Commission of India (ECI) commenced vote counting today, May 4, 2026, for Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry. The counting process started at 8:00 AM with postal ballots, followed by votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Trends were expected to emerge by mid-morning, with most results anticipated by afternoon or evening.

Tamil Nadu: M. K. Stalin remains the incumbent Chief Minister and continues in office during the counting process as per the Indian parliamentary system. If election results indicate a change in power, Stalin will resign to the Governor but will act as Caretaker Chief Minister until the new government is sworn in.