The second phase of the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) elections in Himachal Pradesh witnessed an enthusiastic voter response, with around 80 per cent polling recorded across 1,276 gram panchayats on Thursday. The turnout was higher than the 78.9 per cent registered during the first phase of the elections and also surpassed the 76 per cent polling recorded in the second phase of the 2021 gram panchayat polls.
Continuing the trend seen in the first phase, women voters outnumbered men in most districts, reflecting their growing participation in grassroots democracy. According to data released by the State Election Commission, women recorded a polling percentage of around 83 per cent, while male turnout remained close to 76 per cent. Women voters registered higher participation than men in nine out of the state’s 12 districts.
Kullu district once again emerged at the top with the highest voter turnout of 86 per cent. The district had also recorded the highest turnout in the first phase with 84.57 per cent polling. Sirmaur followed closely with an impressive 85 per cent turnout, slightly higher than the 83.41 per cent recorded there in the first phase. On the other hand, the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti registered the lowest turnout at 69 per cent.
The State Election Commission said the polling process remained peaceful across the state and no untoward incident was reported from any polling station. Long queues were witnessed outside several polling booths from early morning as voters turned up in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
Like the first phase, the elections also saw strong participation from elderly voters and first-time electors. In many areas, voters above 100 years of age reached polling stations with the assistance of their family members. In Paonta Sahib, a 105-year-old man insisted on casting his vote despite his age. “He wanted to vote at any cost, so we brought him to the polling station,” said his son.
Similarly, 110-year-old Surtu Devi from Brasli gram panchayat in Rohru also cast her vote, drawing admiration from election officials and villagers alike. First-time voters expressed excitement at becoming part of the democratic process and hoped the newly elected representatives would work towards improving infrastructure and basic facilities in their villages.
The final phase of the PRI elections will be held on May 30 in 1,189 gram panchayats. While the results of panchayat office-bearers are being declared today, the results for Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad elections will be announced on May 31.
