Hyderabad, Dec. 17 (UNI) The third and final phase of Gram Panchayat elections began across Telangana at 7:00 am on Wednesday.
Polling will continue until 1:00 p.m., followed by the counting of votes at 2:00 p.m. The results are expected to be declared later in the evening.
According to the State Election Commission (SEC), more than 53.06 lakh voters, including 27.04 lakh women, are eligible to cast their votes in this phase.
A total of 12,652 candidates are contesting for 3,752 sarpanch posts, while 75,725 candidates are in the fray for 28,410 ward member positions.
In the third phase, notifications were issued for elections to 4,159 sarpanch posts and 36,452 ward member posts in 182 Mandal. Of these, 394 sarpanch posts and 7,908 ward member posts were elected unanimously.
No nominations were filed in 11 villages and 116 wards, while elections were halted in two villages and 18 wards for various reasons. Polling is being conducted in the remaining panchayats.
For the smooth conduct of the polls, 4,502 returning officers and 77,618 polling personnel have been deployed. As many as 3,547 polling stations have been identified for webcasting. In addition, 2,489 micro observers have been appointed across the three phases, and webcasting arrangements have been made at 3,769 polling centres identified as sensitive.
Officials said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.
Third phase of Gram Panchayat elections underway in Telangana
