The third phase of maiden District Development Council (DDC) elections that began on Friday morning recorded a voter percentage of 8.33% across different constituencies spread over all but two (Srinagar and Udhampur) districts of Jammu and Kashmir till 9 am.
According to the figures provided by the office of State Election Commissioner, in Kashmir Division, up to 9 am, Kupwara has recorded a voting percentage of 3.41%, Bandipora 9.03%, Baramulla 1.78%, Ganderbal 1.33%, Budgam 8.14%, Pulwama 1.75%, Shopian 2.74%, Kulgam 10.02% and Anantnag 0.45%.
In Jammu division, Kishtwar has recorded a voting percentage of 11.76%, Doda 9.00%, Ramban 8.76%, Reasi 14.70%, Kathua 11.73%, Samba 17.50%, Jammu 15.22%, Rajouri 15.21% and Poonch 12.15% up to 9 am.
Kashmir division recorded a polling percentage of 2.91% and Jammu division has 13.59% voter turnout. Overall, 8.33% of voters have cast their votes up to 9 am.
Polling is being held from 7 am to 2 pm.
Out of the total 280 constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir (14 in each of the 20 districts), 33 are going to polls in the third phase – 16 in Kashmir division and 17 in Jammu division.
As many as 305 candidates — 166 from Kashmir division and 139 from Jammu division — are in the fray in this phase of the DDC polls. Out of the 305 candidates, 252 are male and 53 are female candidates.
Voting is taking place at 2,046 polling stations — 792 in Jammu division and 1,254 in Kashmir division.
7,37,648 voters are eligible to vote, including 3,85,675 males and 3,51,973 females.
Out of the 7,37,648 voters, 3,74,604 are from Jammu division and 3,63,044 from Kashmir division.
Elections are also being held in 66 sarpanch constituencies for which a total of 184 candidates are contesting in phase 3, including 144 male and 40 female candidates. As many as 40 sarpanch constituencies have been filled unopposed.
Also, by-polls are being held in 327 panch constituencies for which 749 candidates are in the fray. Out of the total 1,738 constituencies, 798 have been elected unopposed.
The elections are being held in eight phases from November 28 to December 19. Counting of votes will take place on December 22.
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