The Hindu : 70 per cent polling in tribal seats

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 09, 2003

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Other States - Himachal Pradesh

70 per cent polling in tribal seats

Shimla June 8. An estimated 65 to 70 per cent voters exercised their franchise today in the elections to the three tribal Assembly constituencies of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Bharmaur in Himachal Pradesh.

``No untoward incident was reported from any part of these constituencies,'' the Chief Electoral Officer, Manisha Nanda, said. Nearly 70 per cent polling was recorded in Kinnaur, 65 per cent in Bharmaur and 62 per cent in Lahaul and Spiti. Polling was more than 80 per cent in some pockets with fewer votes being cast in Pangi, Spiti and Sangla, officials said.

Electronic voting machines were used for the first time in these constituencies. Seventeen candidates are in the fray for the three seats. Counting of votes will take place on Wednesday.

Polling which started on a dull note in far-flung places picked up fast, and brisk polling was reported during the day, the officials said.

In the cold desert of Spiti, people attired in traditional costumes reached the polling booths in groups. Women voters turned up in large numbers in Spiti, Pangi and Bharmaur areas.

The three tribal constituencies were snowbound during the winter when the other 65 constituencies of the State went to the hustings.

More than 10 polling booths were located at an altitude of over 12,000 ft, with the highest polling booth — Hikkim — situated at an altitude of 14,500 ft.

PTI

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70 per cent polling in tribal seats