Voting in first phase of panchayat elections held in 16 districts of Assam today (Dec 5) ended peacefully. Barring minor incidents, the elections were by and large peaceful although anomalies relating to ballot papers have been reported from across the State.
Around 75% of the electorate is reported to have exercised their franchise till reports last came in although an official confirmation from the State Election Commission is awaited. The turnout is expected to increase further.
Adequate security arrangements were put in place for the vote with no major incidents of violence reported from any part of the State.
Voting began at 7 in the morning and officially ended at 3 pm. However, election officials allowed people who were standing in queue even after the official end of the polling process to exercise their franchise.
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Many candidates found their party’s election symbol replaced by that of another party that led to disruption in voting.
The fate of 43,515 candidates contesting for 15,899 seats has been sealed in ballot boxes.
The second and final phase of elections will be held on Dec 9 (Sunday) while counting of votes will take place on Dec 12.
