J&K panchayat polls: 75.2% polling in third phase

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J&K panchayat polls: 75.2% polling in third phase

Kashmiri villagers arrive at a poling station during the third phase of village council polls at Surasyar Budgam district in central Kashmir on November 24, 2018.

Kashmiri villagers arrive at a poling station during the third phase of village council polls at Surasyar Budgam district in central Kashmir on November 24, 2018.   | Photo Credit: Nissar Ahmad

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5,239 candidates were in the fray in the third phase of panchayat election

Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 75.2% polling in the third phase of rural body polls on Saturday, with the Kashmir Valley registering 55.7%.

Baramulla reported the lowest turnout at 30.8%, while Poonch was the highest with 87.8% with Ramban coming a close second at 85.7%, Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra said.

An overwhelming 83% polling was witnessed in Jammu division, he said. “Over 3.2 lakh electors turned out to exercise their franchise,” he added.

Polling was slow in Kashmir Valley in the morning but picked up around noon.

Kashmiri women line up outside a polling station in Rayar, Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. File

Kashmiri women line up outside a polling station in Rayar, Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. File   | Photo Credit: Nissar Ahmad

 

At least 5,239 candidates were in the fray in the third phase for 358 sarpanch and 1652 Panch seats. “Ninety-six sarpanchs and 1,437 panchs were elected unopposed in this phase,” he said.

The Phase-I of panchayat polls held on November 17 recorded 74.1% polling, including 64.5% in Kashmir division and 79.4% in Jammu division. In the second phase on November 20, 71.1% polling was witnessed across the State, with an overwhelming 80.4% polling in Jammu division and 52.2% in Kashmir division.