111 candidates in fray for the last phase of BTC elections today

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The second and last phase of the BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) elections will be held in 19 constituencies across Kokrajhar and Chirang districts from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm on December 10 (Thursday).

The polling personnel have already reached their respective destinations, informed Assam State Election Commission, adding that all security arrangements have been organized by the Assam Police. Strict adherence of COVID-19 protocols will be maintained at the polling stations. Besides, masks and sanitizers have been provided in adequate numbers, added the Commission.

Altogether 10,23,404 electorates will decide the political fate of 111 candidates across 1,407 polling stations. Of the total candidates, while 77 are contesting in the 12 constituencies under Kokrajhar district, 34 others are in the fray across the seven constituencies in Chirang district.

Voting will be held on ballot papers like the first- phase polls which saw huge voters' turnout of 77 per cent in Udalguri and Baksa districts. While 11 constituencies fall in Udalguri district, the rest are in Baksa district. The first-phase polls in 21 constituencies were held on December 7. The political fate of 130 candidates (of the first phase) has been already sealed in the ballot boxes.

Counting of votes for both the phases will be conducted from 8 am on December 12.

The BTC elections were originally scheduled on April 4, 2020. But following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Assam State Election Commission deferred the polls on March 20. The last BTC elections were held in 2015.

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