Himachal Pradesh’s highest-altitude polling station at Government Primary School, Komic, in the remote Spiti Valley witnessed enthusiastic participation during the second phase of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections on Thursday. Situated at an altitude of 4,587 metres above sea level, the polling station once again highlighted the spirit of democracy thriving amid some of the country’s toughest geographical and climatic conditions.
Out of the total 77 registered voters at the Komic polling station, 59 exercised their franchise. The electoral roll comprised 37 male and 40 female voters, while among those who voted, 29 were men and 30 were women.
Block Development Officer, Kaza, Anshul Shandil, said the polling process at the high-altitude booth remained smooth despite difficult terrain and weather conditions. ADM Kaza, Shikha, said the polling station falls under Langza Gram Panchayat in the Kaza development block and continues to be the highest polling booth in Himachal.
Overall, Lahaul block recorded 68.53 per cent voter turnout across 12 gram panchayats, while Spiti block registered nearly 74.82 per cent polling in the second phase of the PRI elections.
In a special initiative to encourage women-led election management, the administration deployed all-women polling teams and women security personnel at selected booths. Five wards of Lara Panchayat and three wards of Langza Panchayat were managed entirely by female staff. Officials said extensive logistical arrangements ensured peaceful and fair polling across the remote tribal region.
