Jaipur, Nov 11 (NationPress) The voting for the Anta Assembly by-election wrapped up without incident on Tuesday, achieving a remarkable 79.32 percent voter turnout by 5 p.m., as reported by officials.

Voter enthusiasm was palpable, with lines forming from early morning and steady participation observed throughout the day.

Polling commenced at 7 a.m. and continued until 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

As per officials, the polling process was peaceful at all 268 booths, where 2,27,563 voters were registered to cast their votes.

Security personnel secured the booth entrances after the voting period concluded.

The voter turnout increased consistently during the day -- reaching 5.26 percent by 9:21 a.m., 14.09 percent by 10 a.m., 29.86 percent by 11 a.m., 48.19 percent by 1 p.m., 64.68 percent by 3 p.m., and ultimately 79.32 percent by 5 p.m.

Despite some minor issues, including technical problems with EVM and VVPAT machines at Balunda and booth number 209, voting resumed quickly after necessary repairs.

At the outset of polling, residents in Sakli and Ganeshpura villages had declared boycotts due to local issues such as road and pond improvements.

However, after discussions with the administration, villagers from Ganeshpura agreed to participate and arrived at the Badgaon polling station.

To maintain order, the Rajasthan Police, Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, and paramilitary forces were deployed, particularly at seven highly sensitive polling locations in Mangrol municipality.

The Election Commission also launched special initiatives, including 'vote warriors' - a group of students and teachers tasked with encouraging voter turnout in low-participation booths.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma urged the public to fulfill their voting duties, stating, "Vote first, then enjoy refreshments", highlighting the significance of participation for effective governance. Voters formed enthusiastic lines despite rising temperatures, maintaining high turnout rates in both Mangrol tehsil (31 percent) and Mangrol Municipality (33 percent) by midday. Overall, the polling day was characterized by discipline, enthusiasm, and robust administrative coordination.

The counting of votes will take place under strict security later this week, with all eyes now on the results that will decide the new MLA for the Anta Assembly constituency.

A total of 15 candidates are contesting in this by-election, but the primary contest is among BJP's Morpal Suman, Congress' Pramod Jain Bhaya, and Independent candidate Naresh Meena, a rebel from Congress.