Himachal: 69.30% turn out in municipal council, nagar panchayat elections

Una district recorded the highest voter turnout of 76.20 percent, followed by Solan (71.90 percent), Kangra (70.80 percent), Bilaspur (70.20 percent) and Hamirpur (70.10 percent). The least turnout was recorded in Shimla (62.40 percent) and Mandi (63.50 percent) districts.

Following the safety protocol, Covid patients and people under quarantine were allowed to reach the polling stations and cast their votes. 68 such votes were cast, including 18 in Mandi, 15 in Una and 10 in Bilaspur.

Polling was held from 8 am to 4 pm, and counting was underway at the municipal headquarters at the time of filing of this report.

The results are to be declared immediately after the counting of votes.

A total of 1,174 candidates contested the elections, with Kangra district having the highest number of wards and candidates. Polling was not held in some wards where the candidates were elected unopposed.

Elections to the five municipal corporations in the state will be held later and elections to most panchayati raj institutions in the state are scheduled to be held in three phases beginning next Sunday. Municipal and panchayat elections in Himachal are notheld on party symbols.