ADC elections record over 65% turnout
Shillong, Feb 22: The elections to two autonomous district councils (ADCs) in Khasi and Jaintia Hills recorded an overall voter turnout of 65.32% with JHADC witnessing much higher voting than that of KHADC.
The voting on Friday was largely peaceful, barring a few incidents of EVM damage by mob in four polling stations in East Jaintia Hills where repoll has already been ordered on Saturday.
The elections to Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) recorded the highest 70.99% turnout while Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) witnessed only 57.68% voting till the close of polls at 4 pm.
The voting began at 7 am in all the 58 district council constituencies, 29 each in KHADC and JHADC.
Under JHADC, Moodymmai-Nongkroh constituency in West Jaintia Hills district recorded the highest voting percentage at 90.8%, and the lowest being 75.21% in Jowai-North constituency in the same district.
Under KHADC, Nongspung-Sohiong constituency in East Khasi Hills district recorded the highest voting percentage at 86.14% while Jirang in Ri-Bhoi district witnessed the lowest turnout at 51.46%.
Overall, Moodymmai-Nongkroh recorded the highest turnout and Jirang came last in this regard.
There were 272 candidates for the ADC polls with 158 in fray in KHADC and 114 in JHADC. Among them there are 12 women in KHADC and 7 women JHADC. Both the Councils have 29 seats each for contest.
Meanwhile, elaborate arrangements have been made for counting of the votes on February 24.
Informing about the preparation for counting, commissioner & secretary in-charge DCA Cyril Diengdoh said training has already been imparted to the counting personnel by the respective deputy commissioners and returning officers.
In East Khasi Hills, there will be three counting centres – SDO Sohra office, SDO Pynursla office and Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Mawlai.
The rest of the counting centres are the existing ones at DC office, etc., he said.
