The election to 26 civic wards of Chandigarh was held on Sunday with demonetisation remaining a key poll issue.
More than 56 percent voters exercised their franchise in the polling, which passed off peacefully. The polling in some wards continued till late Sunday evening.
“More than 56 per cent voters have exercised their franchise. The polling was peaceful,” said a spokesman of election here after conclusion of polls quoting initial estimates of polling percentage.
800 EVMs were used at 445 polling booths and over 4000 cops were deployed for smooth conduct of polling process in the city. 122 candidates, including 67 Independents, were in the fray for the civic polls.
The results will be declared on December 20.
Both Congress and BJP are contesting from all 26 wards, while BSP also has put up candidates in 17 wards.
Post demonetisation, the election to 26 wards of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation is a litmus test for both BJP and Congress.
The Municipal Corporation has 36 members, of which 26 are elected, nine are nominated councillors and one is an MP (ex-officio member of the House).
At present, BJP has 15 councillors, Congress has nine, BSP has one, and one is Independent.
While the BJP is trying to cash in on demonetisation, Congress has made “great hardships” to people a major issue with its city unit leaders saying the move was implemented without any “application of mind.”
The total number of voters was 5,07,627, including 2,37,374 female voters.
In 2011, the polling percentage to the MC was 59.37 per cent.