Nearly 30 p c polling in Pondy

Pondicherry, July 1 (UNI) An estimated 27 to 30 per cent of the over 1.53 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the first three hours of the third and final phase of polling in the local body elections in the Union Territory, being held after a gap of 38 years.

Though voting began on a dull note, the tempo picked up as time passed and long queues were seen in front of some booths, especially in Ariyankuppam and Bahour commune panchayats.

Polling was peaceful so far with no untoward incidents reported.

Elections to Ariyankuppam, Bahour, Nettapakkam and Manndaipet commune panchayats today would decide the fate of 1571 candidates.

The counting would be held on July 3.

UNI PAB AA SRS KN1107