Polls conclude in Mizoram, MP; turnout about 70%

The North eastern state of Mizoram and the central state of Madhya Pradesh went to polls on Monday and recorded a heavy turnout of more than 70 per cent.

Mizoram voted for its seventh Legislative Assembly, recording an absolutely peaceful 73 per cent polling across all 40 Assembly constituencies till 3pm. The polls concluded at 4pm.

The electoral fate of 142 candidates was sealed in electronic voting machines (EVMs). Around 690,000 people voted in Mizoram across 1,126 polling booths. Prominent candidates in the fray were incumbent Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress, former chief minister and leader of Mizo National Front Zoramthanga, in addition to 11 ministers in the present government. The Congress fielded 31 of its 32 sitting MLAs in this election.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh probably recorded the highest turnout ever of almost 70 per cent in EVMs for the 230-seat Assembly, sealing the fate of more than 2,000 candidates.

Barring stray incidents of violence, security force firing, boycott of elections and a probably re-poll on one booth, the polling was reportedly peaceful.

As polling came to an end, Hoshangabad district reported the highest voting at 83 per cent, while Satna reported 56 per cent, which was the lowest.

"Except for one booth in Rewa, re-polling is not required anywhere in Madhya Pradesh. The polling was peaceful across 53,000 polling booths," said Jaideep Govind, chief electoral officer.

"The turnout is expected to be more than 70 per cent. Reports are yet to come from various polling stations. The turnout in 2008 was between 65-68 per cent."

As polling came to an end, Hoshangabad district reported the highest voting at 83 per cent, while Satna reported 56 per cent, which was the lowest.