Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Addressing a press conference, State Election Commissioner KK Sharma said that voting will begin from 7 am on 13 constituencies in Kashmir and 15 constituencies in Jammu.
"Elections will be held on DDC constituencies, vacant seats of Sarpanches and Panch constituencies on December 19. Polling will be held on 13 constituencies in Kashmir and 15 constituencies in the Jammu division. Polling timing will be from 7 am to 2 pm. 168 candidates including 122 males and 46 females are in the fray for DDC polls in the eighth phase," Sharma said.
"6,40,443 voters will have the right to exercise their voting rights in the DDC elections. Participation from people has been very good in these elections. Voter turnout has been impressive despite cold weather conditions, particularly in Kashmir. I appeal to voters to step out of their home after wearing masks in the view of Covid-19," he said.
Polling will also be held in 84 Sarpanch constituencies and 285 Panch constituencies on Saturday.
"Election was notified on 165 Sarpanch constituencies. 43 Sarpanches have been elected unopposed due to which polling will be held on only 84 constituencies. 249 candidates are contesting on 84 Sarpanch constituencies," Sharma said.
"1,457 Panch constituencies were vacant across Jammu and Kashmir. However, 496 Panches have been elected unopposed. Therefore, the election will be held only in 285 Panch constituencies on Saturday. 596 candidates are in the fray in the election. 53,996 voters will participate in Sarpanch and Panch election," he said.