AMN / SHIMLA
The highest ever 74 per cent voter turnout was recorded in assembly elections of Himachal Pradesh till 5 PM on Thursday Voting was held on all 68 constituencies in a single phase. Briefing reporters in New Delhi this evening, Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena said, polling was entirely peaceful and no violent incident has been reported.
Highlighting the arrangements made by the Commission, Mr Saxena said, VVPATs machines were used with EVMs in all the assembly constituencies.
A total of 337 candidates, including Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, were in the race.
Of them, 62 were sitting MLAs. BJP and Congress contested all 68 seats, BSP on 42 seats, CPI(M) on 14 and the CPI on three seats. Counting of votes will take place on 18th of next month.