60 per cent voting recorded for first phase of Panchayat elections

Dehra Dun, Sept 2 (UNI) Polling in the first phase of Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand passed off smoothly with nearly 60 per cent voting recorded in 29 blocks spread over 12 districts of the state.

In the first phase, 2,872 polling centres have been set up for 12,67,585 voters to excrcies their franchise for the first Panchayat polls in Uttarakhand after it reserved 50 per cent seats for women.

Polling was held in Chakrata and Kalsi in Dehra Dun, Mori and Purola in Uttarkashi and Bhilangana, Jakhnidhar and Chamba blocks in Tehri District yesterday.

The first phase of the three-tier polls would elect 2,320 Pradhans, 968 Shetra representatives and 116 Panchayat members.

Forming a sizeable chunk of all nominees for the three-tier polls, to be held in 12 districts of the state barring Hardwar, are women.

The second phase of polling would take place on September 5 and last phase on September 10.

The counting of votes would take place on September 13.

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