Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC) headed by Aditya Prasad Padhi has made elaborate arrangements for the third phase of general election to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to be held tomorrow.
The third phase of Panchayat election will be held for 171 Zilla Parishad seats at 18,495 booths in 1,382 Gram Panchayats under 63 blocks of 29 districts. Tight security measures have been taken to ensure smooth conduct of the poll.
Over 56.53 lakh voters will decide the fate of 679 Zilla Parishad (ZP) candidates along with other candidates in fray for the post of Ward Member, Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti Member and ZP Member in this phase.
Out of the total booths, 2,773 booths have been identified as sensitive booths, said Secretary to State Election Commission (SEC), RN Sahu. Polling parties have reached the booths while additional polling personnel will reach their booths by this evening, he said.
Informing about the final polling data on second phase voting for Panchayat election held on Friday, Mr.Sahu said there was a 78.3 per cent voters’ turnout during the second phase.
Mr.Sahu said the Commission has received proposals for re-polling at 13 booths due to disturbances while error in ballot papers reported in another three booths during the second phase voting. It had received such proposals from districts for re-polling at 25 booths. The Commission is examining the proposals and very soon a decision will be taken, he added.
Meanwhile, three village guards on Panchayat election duty were killed and several injured when their bus overturned in Nabarangpur district. The incident happened at Sorispadar village near Mokia in Papadahandi block yesterday night.
The SEC Secretary said an ex-gratia of Rs 15 lakh will be provided to the family of each deceased person.
The fourth phase and the fifth and the final phase of elections will be held on February 22 and 24, respectively. The counting of votes will be conducted from February 26 to 28.