Kashmir by-poll: Poor turnout, but voting remains peaceful

Ignoring boycott calls from separatists and militant groups, nearly 34 per cent electorate yesterday exercised their franchise in the bypoll in Anantnag Assembly constituency where Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and seven other candidates are in the fray. The voter turnout was five per cent less than the last Assembly elections

Anantnag: Ignoring boycott calls from separatists and militant groups, nearly 34 per cent electorate yesterday exercised their franchise in the bypoll in Anantnag Assembly constituency where Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and seven other candidates are in the fray. The voter turnout was five per cent less than the last Assembly elections.

CM Mehbooba Mufti hugs a voter at a polling station. Pic/PTI 

The polling, which began early this morning on a dull note apparently due to the ongoing holy fasting month of Ramadan, picked up pace as the day progressed with the final poll percentage recorded at 34 per cent.

The bypoll in the constituency was necessitated by thedemise of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7 this year.

The polling ended peacefully, Chief Electoral officer (CEO) Shantmau said.

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