More than 70 pc turn out in LAHDC polls

More than 70 per cent electorate turned out to exercise their franchise in the fourth election to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil today, an official said.

The polling passed off peacefully, Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, LAHD, Vikas Kundal said after the conclusion of voting.

He said the counting of votes is scheduled to be held on 31 August.

There are 99 candidates in the fray for the 26-member council and the newly-elected council will be in place by September 5.

Kundal said the voter turnout shows enthusiasm among the voters, especially, women who turned out in greater numbers at most of the polling booths in and around Kargil town, besides other parts of the district.

"A large number of young voters were also witnessed during the polling that went off peacefully across the district. The figures of percentage are tentative and are expected to rise as certain polling stations are still to give their result," he added.

In order to ensure free and fair polling, the observers, appointed by the government to monitor the LAHDC elections, inspected various polling booths in their respective allotted constituencies.