Counting for Chamundeswari bypoll begins

Mysore, Dec 7 (UNI) Counting of votes for the December four byelection to the prestigious Chamundeswari Assembly constituency began at the Maharani's Arts College here at 0800 hrs amid tight security.

All arrangements, including elaborate security, have been made for the counting process. Traffic had been banned in and around the college areas until the process was completed.

The results were expected to be out by noon as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used for the bypoll, which would determine the electoral fortunes of 14 candidates, including former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress nominee Siddaramaiah and JD(S) candidate Shivabasappa.

An estimated 66.31 per cent of the 3.68 lakh electorate had exercised its franchise. Women had outnumbered men and as many as 124 rural polling booths had recorded a poll percentage of over 80 per cent. The highest voter turnout of 100 per cent had been recorded in Kempegowdanahundi.

The bypoll was necessitated due to Mr Siddaramaiah resigning from the seat, won on a JD(S) ticket, prior to joining the Congress.

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