16 pc voters exercise franchise

Pondicherry, May 3 : About 16 per cent of the 45,765 voters in Mahe, Pallor and Yanam constituencies exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in the first phase to the territorial assembly today.

The polling was peaceful. Polling in a booth at Pandakal in Mahe region was held up for five minutes due to a technical snag in a digital camera. Polling continued after its rectification.

Mahe, Palloor and Yanam constituencies go to the first phase in which the fate of 19 candidates, including HealthMnister E Valsaraj will be decided.

Polling in 21 constituencies in Pondicherry region and six in Karaikal will be held on May 8 in the second phase.

UNI