A part of the ULB elections, considered a semi final for the political parties in the run-up to the State Assembly election, ended on Thursday.

With results scheduled to be announced on March 11, curtains will finally fall on the polls which has generated a lot of curiosity with regards to the fate of the State.

Turnout

A large number of voters turned out to vote on Thursday amidst allegations of rampant enticements by candidates. Some of the voters also complained that most of the candidates were corrupt and it was difficult to vote for anybody.

The results on March 11 are bound to bring hectic political activity in the State. The effects of this were already seen at the ULB election.

Most of the leaders in the political parties choose the candidates carefully. They had even placed restrictions on the candidates for the ULB polls, including that they should necessarily support the party and the candidate for the Assembly polls.

Flying colours

“The party leaders have expected some of the candidates to come out with flying colours. They have planned not only to win the Assembly elections but also have a hold on the local municipal bodies.

A victory for their candidate will be an added advantage. But, if the results are poor in the ULB polls, or if there are any problems, the entire set up for the Assembly elections can alter. In fact the elected members of the municipalities may not actually remain in support of the Assembly candidates or campaign for them. The moves of the elected municipal members has raised curiosity,” says a political analyst.

Defer hoped

“Most parties has hoped the municipal elections will not precede the Assembly elections. They had even tried desperately to ensure this happens and the municipal polls are deferred,” said the analyst.

“If the political developments are all sidelined the hopes might change. The local municipal poll winners might work for their wards and the citizens might grow to respect them.”