MCD election: Polling ends, turnout likely to cross 54 pc

Polling to elect Delhi's municipal councillors ended at 5.30 PM here today. However, those who entered the polling stations before the stipulated time will be allowed to vote.

"The entire electoral exercise passed off peacefully. The turnout by 4 PM was around 45 per cent and we are very hopeful that the final tally will be beyond 54 per cent, the voting percentage in the 2012 civic body polls in Delhi," State Election Commissioner S K Srivastava said.

The initial hours of polling, which began at 8 AM, witnessed a dismal turnout. The situation improved as people trooped out later in the day as the intense heat waned.

Around 46 per cent turnout was recorded till 4 PM, with north Delhi leading the tally. "Around 22.2 lakh people have cast their vote in areas under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation," the State Election Commission said.

Polling was held in 270 wards of the three municipal corporations. The election in two wards has been postponed due to the death of candidates.

1,32,10,206 voters are entitled to exercise their franchise in electing councillors for the 270 wards falling under the three corporations - NDMC (103), SDMC (104) and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (63).