Odisha panchayat polls: 76% voter turnout recorded in 4th phase

Barring stray incidents, the fourth phase of Panchayat elections was held peacefully in Odisha on Sunday with 76 per cent voter turnout recorded, State Election Commissioner R.N. Senapati said.

He informed media persons that while the highest 87 per cent polling was recorded in Subarnapur district, the lowest 65 per cent voter turnout was reported in Ganjam district.

"The fourth phase of panchayat polls ended peacefully in the state, excluding some minor disturbances," Senapati said.

He said reports of disturbances at some places in the state were received.

He said the polling process was disrupted at some polling booths due to errors in ballot papers.

"We have sought a detailed report from District Collectors in this regard and further decision regarding re-poll will be taken after getting the report from the concerned officials," said Senapati.

The fourth phase of Panchayat polls covered 17,876 wards under 1,324 gram panchayats of 162 zilla parishad zones in 62 blocks of 28 districts.

Arrangements were in place for 50,61,974 voters to exercise their franchise.

The panchayat polls are being held in five phases. The last phase of the polls will be held on February 21.

--IANS

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