Voting For 3rd Phase Odisha Panchayat Polls Tomorrow In 29 Districts, Here's Detail

The third phase of the three-tier Panchayat elections in Odisha will be held tomorrow (February 20). Campaigning by the political parties for the third phase polls ended last evening. 

In the third phase, polling will be held for 18,495 Wards, 1382 Gram Panchayats and 171 Zilla Parishad (ZP) seats in 63 blocks of 29 districts. As many as 56,53,405 voters will exercise their franchise in the third phase. 

Rabindra Nath Sahu, Secretary, State Election Commission said 679 candidates are in fray for 171 zilla parishad seats. As many as 2773 sensitive booths have been identified. Proposals have been received for re-polling in 13 booths in the second phase. 

As per the schedule, the voting process will commence at 7 am and continue till 1 pm. And, polling parties have headed towards their respective booths for the conduct of the polls. 

All the districts (going to the polls) and police administration have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. 

According to preliminary information, the voter turnout in the second phase of the Panchayat polls was 71 per cent while it was 77 per cent during the first phase elections. In the second phase, polling was held in 1514 Panchayats under 68 blocks. 

The fourth phase and the fifth and the final phase of elections will be held on February 22 and 24, respectively. The counting of votes will be conducted in a phased manner for three days from February 26 to 28.