80% voter turnout recorded in second phase of Himachal panchayat polls, Kullu leads with 86%

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Shimla, May 29

The second phase of the Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh concluded peacefully, registering an impressive 80 percent voter turnout across 1,276 gram panchayats. Kullu district recorded the highest turnout at 86 percent, while Lahaul and Spiti reported the lowest at 69 percent.

According to the State Election Commission, voting was held from 7 am to 3 pm on May 28. By 7 pm, a total of 13,74,209 voters had exercised their franchise out of 17,28,398 eligible voters. Officials said the final turnout figure could increase once all reports are compiled. The turnout surpassed the 76 percent recorded during the second phase of the 2021 Panchayat elections by four percentage points.

District-wise figures showed Kullu leading with 86 percent polling, followed by Sirmaur at 85 percent and Solan at 84 percent. Mandi and Shimla each recorded 81 percent turnout, Una 80 percent, Bilaspur 79 percent, Chamba 78 percent, Kangra and Kinnaur 76 percent each, and Hamirpur 75 percent. Lahaul and Spiti remained at the bottom with 69 percent polling.

A key highlight of the elections was the strong participation of women voters. In Kullu, 86 percent of women cast their votes, the highest in the state. Women voters outnumbered male voters in terms of turnout in nine of the twelve districts. The Election Commission described the trend as a positive sign of increasing women’s participation and empowerment in the democratic process.

The highest polling percentage was recorded in Dhela Panchayat, Nalagarh block, in Solan district, where 96 percent of voters exercised their franchise.

Counting of votes for the posts of pradhan, up-pradhan, and ward members is underway, with results expected to be declared by late night. Counting for 250 Zila Parishad seats and 1,684 Panchayat Samiti wards will be held on May 31, with results to be announced the same day.