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Over 77 pc polling in Phase 1

By The Assam Tribune
Over 77 pc polling in Phase 1
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Fate of 264 candidates in 47 constituencies sealed in EVMs

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, March 27: Over 77 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise in the 47 Assembly constituencies of Assam during the the first phase of polls on Saturday with the fate of 264 candidates sealed in EVMs.

The final polling percentage is expected to be higher with voting continuing at many places beyond 6 pm. As per Election Commission data at 11 pm, the turnout was 77.01 per cent. The final polling percentage will be known tomorrow.

No major incident of violence was reported and polling was largely peaceful, Election Commission officials said. However, stray incidents of scuffles among the supporters of various parties took place in some places.

There were also minor glitches at certain polling stations due to technical problems in EVMs and some machines had to be replaced.

With clear weather and a sunny sky, voters were seen queuing outside polling booths since as early as 5:30 am at many places. Polling started at 7 am. Adequate security arrangement was made by the authorities to ensure free and fair polling.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal cast his vote at Dibrugarh, while Congress State president Ripun Bora exercised his franchise at Gohpur. Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami and Lok Sabha member Gaurav Gogoi cast their votes at Jorhat.

Of the 47 seats which went to the polls in the first phase, the BJP had won 27 in the 2016 Assembly polls, while its alliance partner AGP had secured eight. The Congress won nine seats, while the AIUDF bagged two. One constituency had gone to an independent candidate.

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