(Embargoed for Publication/broadcast after 1700 Hrs)

Pondicherry, June 29 (UNI) Electioneering for the third and final phase of the local body elections in Pondicherry ended at 1700 hrs today.

The first and second phase of the civic elections, being held after a gap of 38 years in the union territory, took place on June 24 and 27 respectively, involving five municipalities and six commune panchayats.

Elections to Ariyankuppam, Bahour, Nettapakkam and Mannadipet Commune Panchayats in Pondicherry region will be held in the final phase on July one.

About 1.53 lakh electorate were expected to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 1,571 candidates in the final phase of polling.

Of the 444 polling stations, including auxillary booths, 74 were identified as sensitive and additional security being provided.

Three companies of Rapid Action Force and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel besides the local police are being deployed on election duty.

A few anti-social elements had been arrested as a precautionary measure to ensure a trouble-free polling.

Counting of the votes polled in all the three phases will be held here on July three.

UNI PAB GM VA KN1107