Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) poll sees modest voter turnout

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Even though election to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) was conducted on Friday after a lengthy gap of nine, the final voting percentage indicated a dearth of enthusiasm among the voters

According to Kamrup (M) election officials, the approximate voter turnout was a modest 52.80 per cent.

A meagre 10 per cent voting percentage was recorded till noon, although it increased to 37.9 per cent by 2 pm.

There was no rain weather in the first half of the day, but long queues failed to materialize in most of the 757 polling stations.

On the other hand, a section of voters had difficulty either in locating their respective polling stations or finding their names in the voters' lists.

After polling concluded at 4:30 pm, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were taken to the strong rooms established at the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre under tight security.

A total of 57 candidates were left in the electoral fray today after three councilors were elected uncontested to the 60-ward GMC – those contesting from Ward No. 5, Ward No. 6 and Ward No.22.

The GMC area has an electorate of 7,64,488, comprising 3,80,466 men voters, 3,83,996 women voters and 26 transgender voters. As many as 80 polling stations were managed entirely by women personnel.

The Kamrup (M) administration made tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident on the day of polling today.

There are 197 contesting candidates. The BJP is fielding 53 candidates (including the three uncontested winners), while its ally AGP is fielding seven candidates. The Congress is fighting the election alone without any ally. The AAP and AJP are contesting the GMC poll for the first time.

Counting of votes will start on the morning of April 24 and final results are expected to be announced later that evening.

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