77.61% voter turned out on poll day in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections, which was held on October 4.

The voting for the fifth LAHDC Kargil election was held across the district and a total of 77.61 percent of voters exercised their franchise through EVMs to decide the fate of 85 candidates who are in the fray. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, 2023.

Earlier this morning the polling began at 8 am and strong voter turnout was recorded at all the polling stations. An electorate of 74,026 including 46,762 women, entitled to exercise their franchise in 278 polling stations spread over 26 constituencies across Kargil to seal the fate of 85 candidates through EVMs.

For the smooth conduct of the elections, the Election Authority/ Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Suse, DIG LKR Sheikh Junaid Mehmood, and SSP Kargil Anayat Ali Choudhary supervised whole the poll process. 

ADC Kargil, Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Wani also visited various polling stations at different locations to check the progress of polling.

Zonal/ sector magistrates and police officers, Returning officers along with Assistant Returning officers were present at different polling stations to ensure the smooth conduct of polls.

To ensure the whole process in a transparent manner, observers were deployed as well as micro observers at polling stations. Webcasting at selected polling stations was also done for the first time during council elections. 

Election Authority appreciated Ladakh Police, paramilitary forces, District Administration officers, polling personnel, all political parties/candidates, media, transport stakeholders as well as all voters for extending cooperation for smooth conduct of polling.