TURA/MAWKYRWAT/NONGSTOIN: Over 75 per cent polling has been recorded in the Garo Hills districts with the number expected to rise further as election officials awaited the arrival of the polling teams from far-flung areas on Tuesday evening.
Reports of EVM and VVPAT glitches came in from many booths but even after the disruption, voters came out in large numbers to exercise their franchise. Polling stations like those at Town High School, Hindi High School, Pechon Memorial Police High School and Gorkha High School witnessed record attendance as voters stood in queues well beyond the 4 pm deadline eager to cast their votes.
This Assembly election has had its share of ups and downs.
Besides violence perpetrated by militants and the death of a rebel chief, politicians and their supporters went all out to woo voters in the run-up to the polls.
Liquor and money flowed like water with complaints flying thick and fast of voters being bribed with either or both in almost every constituency in Garo Hills.
Even in Tura, reports of midnight visits by supporters of candidates to influence voters were not infrequent. Some candidates took shelter in inconspicuous corners while others covered their faces as flying squad teams went on patrol duty.
In South West Khasi Hills, the voter turnout was 83.8 per cent but a final figure was not released because reports from many polling stations in Ranikor did not come till late on Tuesday evening due to communications problem.
South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo told The Shillong Times that voter turnout in Mawkyrwat was 82.85 per cent but Ranikor had a better turnout with 84.79 per cent casting their votes.
“Till now the overall turnout of voters in the district is 83.8 percent. However, the exact figure will be obtained only after all the parties return… from faraway places after midnight,” Laloo said, adding that polling was peaceful in the district.
In West Khasi Hills, the voter turnout was 71 per cent with Nongstoin recording 69.4 per cent turnout, Rambrai 61.12 per cent and Mawshynrut 60.67 per cent.
