Delhi headed for record polling

Delhi was Wednesday headed for a record turnout of voters in an assembly election, as people were still waiting in winding queues to cast their ballots long past the closing time of 5 p.m., an Election Commission official said.

With 66 percent of 1.19 crore voters having cast their ballot by 5.30 p.m., and over a lakh still waiting to exercise their franchise at various centres, the turnout is expected to cross 70 percent, the official added.

"Till now, Delhi has recorded over 65 percent of polling. We are still to get the final figure as people are in queues. We will ensure all voters in the queues are able to vote," Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Dev told reporters.

It is for the first time Delhi has witnessed such an overwhelming response in elections to its assembly.

In the first assembly elections in 1993, Delhi witnessed a turnout of 61.75 percent.

In 1998, Delhi recorded the lowest turnout at just over 48 percent voting.

In the 2003 elections, over 53 percent voters cast their ballots, and in 2008, over 57 percent polling was recorded.