74.37 per cent voting registered in first phase of rural local body polls
The first phase of polling to rural local bodies was by and large peaceful and gained momentum by evening.
According to the latest reports from the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission (TNSEC), 74.37 voting was recorded . The approximate polling percentage was Villupuram (81.36), Ranipet (81), Kancheepuram (80), Tirupattur (78), Tenkasi (74), Kallakurichi (72), Tirunelveli (69), and Chengalpattu and Vellore (67 each). The figures may vary depending on the final inputs from the polling booths.
Though no untoward incidents were witnessed, COVID safety protocols were not followed at most booths in Vellore, Kancheepuram and Villupuram districts. Moreover, lack of adequate polling stations resulted in long waiting hours for voters.
“Polling was peaceful and 1.17 lakh government personnel were involved in the election process and 41 lakh voters were eligible to vote,” State Election Commissioner V Palanikumar told reporters on Wednesday.
Poll officials had identified 3,409 sensitive booths and more than 700 people were detained under preventive arrest, Palanikumar added.
For the second phase of polling, 34 lakh voters are eligible to vote. “Web streaming, live streaming, block development observers, micro observers and district observers have been appointed to ensure free and fair elections in all the 74 blocks spread over 9 districts,” the SEC said.