Kohima, April 9 A total of 82.21 per cent of 22,382 voters exercised their franchise in the by-election to the Koridang assembly constituency in Nagaland's Mokokchung district on Thursday, officials said.
As many as 18,400 votes were cast by the close of voting. The polling, which began at 7 am, saw a steady increase in turnout – from around 20 per cent in the initial hours to 59.52 per cent by 1 pm, before closing on a strong note.
Of the 30 polling stations, several recorded exceptionally high turnout, with some nearing full participation. These include Mangmetong II with 99.08 per cent, Mangmetong V (98.56 pc), Mangmetong IV (97.57 pc), Mangmetong III (97.93 pc), Mangmetong I (97.15 pc), Longkhum V (95.33 pc) and Sattsu (95.05 pc), they said.
A large number of polling stations recorded turnout in the range of 70 per cent to 90 per cent. In contrast, a few polling stations reported relatively low turnout, including Alichen II (15.30 pc) and Alichen IV (22.93 pc).
Despite pre-poll violence that led to one fatality, several injuries, damage to 12 vehicles, and the detention of 16 individuals, officials said that polling day remained peaceful and incident-free.
EVM malfunctions were reported in a couple of polling stations, but the machines were immediately replaced, officials said.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L Imchen.
The counting of votes will be held on May 4.
