Did Over 57% Turnout in Arunachal Local Body Polls Indicate a Shift?
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Synopsis
On December 15, Arunachal Pradesh witnessed a remarkable voter turnout exceeding 57% in its local body elections. With tight security and a public holiday declared to encourage participation, the elections were conducted largely peacefully. Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the significance of voting for grassroots democracy and community development.
Key Takeaways
- Voter turnout exceeded 57%.
- The elections were conducted peacefully with no major incidents.
- A public holiday was declared to promote voter participation.
- Over 40,000 security personnel were deployed for security.
- Counting of votes will occur on December 20.
Itanagar, Dec 15 (NationPress) More than 57 percent of eligible voters participated in the local body elections conducted in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday, according to official sources.
Voting took place for the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) throughout the state, as well as for two civic entities—the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) and the Pasighat Municipal Council (PMC)—with stringent security measures in place.
Officials reported that while voter turnout was initially modest due to cold weather, it increased as the day went on. Thankfully, no significant incidents were reported from anywhere in the state.
The state government had designated Monday as a public holiday to encourage voter participation. State Election Commission (SEC) Secretary Taru Talo mentioned that repolling would occur in certain segments of the Gram Panchayat in Namsai and Bichom districts.
He noted that the concurrent Panchayat and Municipal elections were largely peaceful, although the commission is still gathering reports, and final turnout figures will be made available later. Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Chukhu Apa confirmed that the elections proceeded without major disruptions.
“Aside from a few minor altercations among party supporters, there were no reports of significant violence, and the voting process occurred in a friendly environment,” he informed the media.
According to SEC officials, over 40,000 security personnel and approximately 15,000 polling staff were deployed to ensure the successful execution of the elections.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu cast his vote at the Gyangkhar polling station in the Tawang district. Earlier in the day, he urged the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh to participate actively and vote responsibly in the Panchayat and municipal elections.
“Your vote is vital for bolstering grassroots democracy, fostering community development, and ensuring a brighter future for our children,” the Chief Minister stated in a post on X.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already secured 58 Zilla Parishad seats uncontested, while the National People’s Party (NPP) has claimed one seat. Four BJP candidates were elected unopposed to the IMC, and a total of 5,037 BJP nominees for Gram Panchayat positions have also been declared elected without contest.
In total, 440 candidates are vying for 186 Zilla Parishad seats, while 39 candidates are competing for 16 IMC wards and 21 candidates for eight wards in the PMC. A total of 831,648 voters, including 759,210 for Panchayat bodies and 72,438 for municipal elections, were eligible to cast their votes.
As per an SEC official, 2,171 polling stations were established for the Panchayat elections, alongside 67 for the IMC and 12 for the PMC. Female voters surpassed male voters in the Panchayat polls. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were utilized for the municipal elections, while ballot boxes were employed for the Panchayat voting. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 20.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of local governance in the democratic process. The recent elections in Arunachal Pradesh demonstrate the resilience and engagement of voters in shaping their communities, even in the face of challenges like cold weather. This turnout reflects a robust spirit of democracy that should be celebrated.
NationPress
15/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the voter turnout in Arunachal Pradesh local elections?
The voter turnout exceeded 57 percent in the local body elections.
Were there any significant incidents during the elections?
No major incidents were reported, although there were a few minor scuffles among party supporters.
What measures were taken to ensure security during the elections?
Over 40,000 security personnel and approximately 15,000 polling staff were deployed.
When will the counting of votes take place?
The counting of votes is scheduled for December 20.
How many candidates contested in the elections?
A total of 440 candidates contested for 186 Zilla Parishad seats.
