The elections to the Mandi Municipal Corporation witnessed an enthusiastic response from voters, with a final turnout of 68.78 per cent recorded on polling day on Sunday. Long queues were seen outside polling booths since early morning as residents turned out in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the politically significant civic body elections.
According to official figures released by the District Election Office, polling remained peaceful throughout the day and no untoward incident was reported from any part of the MC area. Adequate security and administrative arrangements had been made to ensure smooth, free and fair polling.
The polling percentage rose steadily during the day. Voter turnout stood at 15.42 per cent till 9 am, which increased to 31.91 per cent by 11 am. By 1 pm, the turnout had reached 49.90 per cent before finally closing at 68.78 per cent after the completion of voting.
The Mandi MC has a total of 29,244 registered voters across 14 wards, including 14,354 men and 14,890 women voters. Out of the total electorate, 20,113 voters exercised their franchise. Among them, 9,927 were men and 10,186 were women.
The voting percentage among men voters was recorded at 69.16 per cent, slightly higher than the 68.41 per cent turnout among women voters. Officials said the healthy turnout reflected strong public participation and growing awareness among urban voters.
The civic polls in Mandi hold considerable political significance as the elections are being contested on party symbols, making it a direct prestige battle between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP. Political observers believe the results could indicate the mood of urban voters ahead of future political contests in the state.
A total of 42 candidates contested from the 14 wards of the MC and their electoral fate has now been sealed in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). However, polling could not be held in Behna ward, where residents reportedly boycotted the elections over local issues and pending demands.
