Himachal Pradesh records 74% turnout

The percentage may be revised as final voting figures are yet to be tallied. Polling was still on in about 500 booths after 5 p.m.

November 09, 2017 12:10 pm | Updated 07:48 pm IST - Shimla

 People stand in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in Dharmsala, on Thursday.

People stand in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in Dharmsala, on Thursday.

Himachal Pradesh on November 9 recorded its highest polling in Assembly elections with 74% of voters exercising their franchise, the Election Commission said.

The figure was till 5 p.m., and the percentage may be revised as final voting figures are yet to be tallied. Polling was still on in about 500 booths after 5 p.m.

The previous highest polling percentage of 73.5 was recorded in the 2012 Assembly polls, Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena said. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was 64.45%.

At a press conference, Mr. Saxena said the elections were peaceful and no incident of violence was reported.

A total of 11,283 VVPAT units were used in all polling booths of the 68 constituencies out of which 297 were replaced, Mr. Saxena said, adding this was well within the technical limits.

Himachal Pradesh Assembly Elections 2017: Voting day - as it happened

The Congress is currently ruling the hill State and the BJP is eyeing to return to power after a gap of five years.

In the outgoing 68-member Assembly, the Congress and the BJP have 35 and 28 MLAs respectively. There are four Independent MLAs while one seat was vacant.

The poll results will be announced on December 18.

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