Srinagar, Oct 16
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, Shaleen Kabra this evening said that overall 4.2% polling was witnessed in the 4th and Final Phase of Municipal Polls-2018 in Srinagar and Ganderbal today. Kabra said Ganderbal witnessed 11.3% polling in 12 Wards were 38 candidates are in the fray. He said Srinagar witnessed 4% polling were 24 Wards went to polls today. The CEO said repoll was also held today at Polling Station No: 9 Bachidarwaza of Makhdoom Sahab (Ward No: 41) where 5 candidates are in the fray. He said the cumulative poll percentage in all the four phases is 35.1%. The Counting of votes will be held on 20th October 2018, for which, Kabra said, all arrangements have been put in place. Municipal Elections-2018 were held in four phases, covering 79 municipal bodies with an electorate of about 17 lakh electors. A total of 3372 nominations were filed for 1145 wards.
Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer also reviewed arrangements put in place for the counting of votes on October 20 (Saturday) in all the districts of the State. The counting will start at 9.00 am. In a video-conference with the Deputy Commissioners, Kabra while taking comprehensive review of the counting arrangements made in each district, lauded their efforts in ensuring smooth, free and fair conduct of urban local body polls across the state. He complimented the DCs for having made adequate arrangements which resulted in smooth and hassle-free conduct of elections. Kabra issued necessary guidelines to the DCs regarding counting of votes besides ensuring presence of contestants or their authorized agents inside the counting hall.
Kabra directed DCs to personally monitor the counting and tabulation to avid any confusion. He said the staff has already been fully trained in counting of votes on EVMs.
The Chief Electoral Officer stressed the DCs to gear up for upcoming Panchayat elections.
