Punjab local elections recorded an average voter turnout of 63.94 percent. The voter turnout in Nagar Panchayats was the highest, and Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal also had a significant impact.
Punjab local elections see 63.94 percent voter turnout, public shows great enthusiasm
Big figures have emerged regarding voting for local self-government institutions from Chandigarh. In the voting process held on Tuesday, the public enthusiastically participated in the festival of democracy. The State Election Commission released official figures late at night.
A total of 22,38,241 votes were cast for the seats of 102 municipalities and municipal corporations. This election was completed peacefully across 1,897 wards in the entire state.
It is noteworthy that the average voter turnout in the Punjab local elections stood at 63.94 percent. Long queues were seen from morning at the 3,833 polling stations set up across the state. This trend shows that the public has become aware of local issues.
New record for Nagar Panchayat voter turnout
The voting pattern across different categories of urban local bodies was found to be quite distinct. It emerged that people in rural and semi-urban areas showed the most enthusiasm. The Nagar Panchayat voter turnout was recorded at the highest 76.18 percent. According to a representative, voting in Municipal Councils was 65.06 percent.
Notably, in larger cities, i.e., Municipal Corporation areas, voting was 59.91 percent. In corporation areas, out of 10.71 lakh voters, 6.41 lakh people exercised their franchise.
Furthermore, council areas recorded the highest number of voters at 22.87 lakh. Out of these, 14.88 lakh people voted for their preferred candidates. Meanwhile, in Nagar Panchayats, over 1.07 lakh votes were recorded.
Appeal by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in the election field
This development comes at a time when a prestige battle is underway between the ruling party and the opposition in Punjab. This election is considered very important for solving the everyday problems of common citizens. Meanwhile, the appeal of Aam Aadmi Party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal went viral on social media. He urged people to step out of their homes and vote in large numbers.
However, male voter participation was seen to be slightly higher than female. A total of 7,554 candidates are contesting their luck in the entire election.
In this context, Returning Officer Damandeep Kaur stated that as per the High Court’s order, CCTV cameras were installed at all polling booths. Tight security arrangements were made to control the crowd. A staff of 4 to 5 members was continuously deployed at polling stations.
Intense contest on Mohali ward election seat
Political parties have put in their full strength on the Mohali ward election seat. AAP candidate from Ward Number 6, Sunny Singh Ahluwalia, described this day as one that will change Mohali’s future. He claimed that the public voted to advance development works. According to a correspondent’s report, another AAP candidate, Sarabjit Samna, also expressed full confidence in his victory.
Additionally, the coming days are crucial for Punjab’s 8 municipal corporations and 75 municipal councils. Counting of votes cast on all seats will be undertaken on May 29.
In particular, the Aam Aadmi Party has fielded the highest number of 1,801 candidates. Congress has given a tough fight with 1,550 candidates, and the BJP with 1,316 candidates. The Akali Dal also made the contest triangular by fielding 1,251 candidates.
Once the results of the Punjab local elections are announced on May 29, the new local leadership of the state will become clear. The Aam Aadmi Party aims to strengthen its hold over urban areas by securing a majority in this election. Will the organizations of Congress and BJP succeed in stopping AAP’s victory chariot, or will the results be surprising?
