Elaborate arrangements in place for fourth phase of J-K Assembly polls

Srinagar, Dec 5 : Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the fourth phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are held in a free and fair manner on Sunday.

In this phase, twelve constituencies of Baramulla and Buddgam districts along with six other constituencies in Reasi and Udhampur districts in Jammu will go to the polls.

The election campaign in Budgam and Baramulla districts will come to an end this afternoon.

On Thursday, a Election Commission of India team reviewed poll arrangements for the remaining four phases of elections at a meeting in Srinagar.

The team was apprised about the arrangements for the smooth conduct of free and fair elections. Matters pertaining to security, training to the poll staff and randomizations of polling stations were also discussed. Stress was laid on strict adherence of the Model code of conduct by all the concerned.

The fifth, sixth and seventh phase of polls in the state will be held on December 13, 17 and 24.

Two phases of the seven-phased elections have been successfully concluded with the active participation of the people.

Despite the separatists'''' call for the election boycott, the first phase of the elections recorded 64 per cent participation. At least 65 per cent voting was recorded during the second phase of polling.

In the first four phases, the number of candidates showed a marked increase this time as compared to last time. In the Kashmir division the number has gone up to more than double.

The results will be declared on December 28.

ANI