Over 80% voters exercise franchise in Andhra Pradesh rural local polls

Over 80% of voters exercised their franchise in the first phase of polling held for rural local body polls in Andhra Pradesh today.

Barring sporadic incidents of clashes and minor incidents, polling has been peaceful in the zilla parishad and mandal parishad territorial constituencies polls, Andhra Pradesh election commissioner P Ramakant Reddy told reporters.

About 70 to 80 per cent electorate turned up for voting in several districts between 3 pm and 4 pm, while the total polling percentage would be over 80%, he said.

The final figures of polling would be calculated after compiling all the data from districts. Re-polling is likely to be ordered at three places - one each in Anantapur, Nellore and Medak districts – as per initial information, he said.

Re-polling would be held on April 11, he said.

The Commissioner said clashes between different groups, including stone throwing, occurred at different places, but the situation was brought under control with police intervention.

A sub-inspector of police fired in the air in self-defence in Khammam district, when crowds tried to attack him, he said, adding that no one was injured in the incident.

The second phase of polling would be held on April 11 and the date of counting would be notified later by the state Election Commission owing to legal issues related to the polls.