Chandigarh, May 29
Vote counting is under way in local body elections across the Punjab, officials said on Friday. The elections were held on 26 May for 102 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations, 75 municipal councils and 19 nagar panchayats. Polling recorded a turnout of nearly 64%. More than 7,500 candidates are contesting in the elections, which are being closely watched ahead of next year’s Punjab Assembly polls.
The contests involve all major political parties in the state, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress party and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
Authorities said counting began at 8 am local time under strict security arrangements. Two micro-observers have been appointed at each counting centre to oversee the process under district-level supervision.
Officials added that only authorised personnel would be allowed inside counting halls.
The elections are seen as an important political test for the ruling AAP government, which is seeking to maintain its position in Punjab before the state elections next year.
Opposition parties had earlier accused the government of misusing official machinery during campaigning, allegations rejected by the ruling party.
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