First phase of polling in Andhra Pradesh panchayat elections ends

Voters turned out in large numbers for the first phase of panchayat elections in Andhra Pradesh today, which was held peacefully.

55 percent voting took place in the first phase of polling to elect candidates for sarpanch and ward member posts in 5,803 gram panchayats and counting is under progress.

In the first phase, over one crore 15 lakh voters are exercising their franchise at over 70 thousand polling stations set up in 27 revenue divisions in 22 districts in the state.

The election was held to 5,790 panchayats of 27 revenue mandals in 22 districts.

The election will be held in two more phases on July 27 and 31 for another 12,000 panchayats. An average 82.31 per cent of polling recorded with the highest 90 per cent being registered each at Prakasam and Srikakaulam districts.

The lowest 60 percent voter-turn out recorded at the rain-hit Adilabad.

About one lakh police personnel have been deployed, especially to ensure free polls in about 4000 sensitive and hyper sensitive villages.

The poll process is being continuously monitored in these areas through webcasting and videography.