Despite rainfall in several parts of the district, Shimla recorded an impressive voter turnout of 83 per cent in the third and final phase of the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections on Saturday.
The polling percentage was higher than that recorded in the previous two phases, reflecting strong public participation in the grassroots democratic process. The district had registered a turnout of 79.64 per cent in the first phase and 80.68 per cent in the second phase of the elections held on May 26 and May 28, respectively.
Voting was conducted in 121 gram panchayats across the district, where more than 1.5 lakh voters were expected to exercise their franchise to elect representatives to various Panchayati Raj institutions.
Voters turned up enthusiastically at polling stations despite adverse weather conditions, underscoring the importance attached to local self-governance and rural development.
Among them was Anu Verma, who expressed hope that the newly elected representatives would work closely with people and focus on developmental issues. She said drinking water supply and garbage management remained major concerns in many areas and hoped the elected representatives would address these issues effectively.
First-time voter Kriti Sharma said she had cast her vote with expectations of improved road connectivity and better electricity infrastructure, issues that continue to affect daily life in many rural areas.
Election officials said polling was completed peacefully across the district and witnessed encouraging participation from voters across age groups. The strong turnout in the final phase marked a successful conclusion to the PRI election process in Shimla district, with voter participation steadily increasing across all three phases.
