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Rajasthan's second phase panchayat elections begins amid EVM glitches
Voting commenced across Rajasthan on Wednesday for the second phase of panchayat elections covering hundreds of wards, though technical malfunctions delayed polling at several centres. The elections determine representatives for district and block-level rural governance bodies.
LSN India ·
Polling for the second phase of Rajasthan's panchayat elections got underway at 7 a.m., encompassing 352 wards across 22 zila parishads and 2,197 wards spread over 124 panchayat samitis. The electoral exercise represents a significant exercise in grassroots democracy across the state's rural administration.
However, the smooth conduct of voting was interrupted by technical issues at various polling stations. Electronic voting machines malfunctioned at several booths, resulting in delayed commencement of polling and causing inconvenience to voters who arrived to cast their ballots. Election officials worked to resolve the technical difficulties to maintain the polling schedule.
The panchayat elections are a critical exercise for constituting elected bodies at the village, block, and district levels across rural Rajasthan. These institutions are responsible for local governance, development projects, and addressing community welfare concerns in their respective jurisdictions.