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Bhubaneswar, Nov 11 (IANS) Voting for the Nuapada assembly by-election concluded peacefully on Tuesday, with around 81.45 per cent voting recorded.
Addressing the media after the conclusion of polling, Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) RS Gopalan said that polling was successfully completed at 165 polling stations in the constituency.
He confirmed that polling at 47 booths ended by 4 pm, while polling at the remaining booths continued till 5 pm on Tuesday.
CEO Gopalan said, “All voting processes were conducted peacefully. We are closely monitoring the situation and no major incidents or disruptions have been reported.”
He said that helicopter services were taken at eight polling stations located in forested and remote areas and all the eight helicopters carrying polling personnel returned safely after completing their work.
A minor technical glitch was reported at booth number 246, where one EVM (one ballot unit, one control unit and one VVPAT) was replaced after 5 pm.
The problem was resolved immediately and voting resumed smoothly.
The CEO also clarified the allegations of EVM malfunction at another polling station.
He said, “A complaint was made that votes were being recorded for a particular candidate despite the button being pressed. Our investigation found the allegation to be baseless. Voters were given the option of a test vote under Section 49M, but no one came forward. Polling agents of all recognized political parties confirmed that the machines were functioning properly.”
CEO Gopalan also said that no major law and order problems or security lapses were reported during the voting.
Adequate police deployment ensured smooth and safe conduct of the elections.
“All the EVMs have been secured and they will be kept in the strong room tonight in the presence of observers and candidates’ representatives. The sealing process will be completed as soon as all the machines are received, possibly late tonight or tomorrow morning,” he said.
Final voter turnout figures are expected to be released late Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning after all voting data is consolidated.
–IANS
Knowledge/Khaz