Voters across Jammu and Kashmir braved the cold and tight security on Monday, 7 December, to vote in the fourth phase of polling of District Development Council (DDC) elections.
As of 1 pm, the fourth phase of DDC elections recorded a voter turnout of 41.94 percent across different constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported, quoting the State Election Commissioner.
Till 11 am, Monday’s fourth phase had recorded a voter turnout of 26.02 percent across different constituencies.
The voting began at 7 am on Monday and will conclude at 2 pm.
Meanwhile, mobile internet services were suspended in South Kashmir on Monday as voting carried on, reported Hindustan Times.
A senior police officer in South Kashmir told the paper on condition of anonymity that services had been suspended in the previous three phases as well.
The Numbers Involved in the Polls
Thirty-four constituencies are voting in the fourth phase. More than seven lakh voters will cast their votes for the 249 candidates who are in the fray.
There are 138 candidates, including 48 women, in the fray in the Kashmir division, while in the Jammu division, 111 candidates, including 34 women, are contesting in the fourth of the eight-phase DDC polls, which began on 28 November.
The voter turnout for the first phase of DDC elections was 51.76 percent, while for the second phase which was held on 1 December, the UT saw a lesser turnout with 48.62 percent, and in the third phase of polls that were held on 4 December, a voter turnout of 50. 53 percent was recorded.
By-elections to vacant panch and sarpanch seats in the Union Territory are also being held along with the DDC polls.
DDC elections and panchayat bypolls are being held in eight phases from 28 November to 19 December. The counting of votes will take place on 22 December.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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