By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 24 Jul: Voting for the first phase of the 2025 three-tier panchayat elections concluded this evening across Uttarakhand, marking a significant democratic exercise with encouraging voter turnout throughout the day. A voter turnout of over 70 percent has been reported in the first phase of the panchayat elections in the state. The polling has been reported to be peaceful across the state with no untoward incident or violence reported from any part of the state.
The Panchayat elections are being held in 12 out of 13 districts in the state, with Haridwar being the exception. The electoral process covered 2,247 gram panchayat member seats, 9,731 gram pradhan positions, 4,980 kshetra panchayat member posts, and 871 zila panchayat member slots. Voter participation grew steadily over the course of the day, reaching 11.72 per cent by 10 a.m., rising to 27 per cent by noon, touching 41.87 per cent by 2 p.m., reaching 55 per cent by 4 p.m. The final polling figures will show upward revision, particularly in remotely located areas of the state.
The next phase of polling is slated for 28 July, with counting of votes scheduled to begin on 31 July at 8 a.m.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was among the early voters, casting his ballot in Nagla Tarai, Khatima, along with his mother. Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj exercised his franchise in Pokhra, Pauri, while MLA Munna Singh Chauhan and former district panchayat chairperson Madhu Chauhan cast their votes at Rajkiya Prathmik Vidyalaya, Kwasa. Former MLA Kedar Singh Rawat also participated in the voting.
The State Election Commission remains optimistic that overall voter turnout will surpass the 70 per cent mark this year, buoyed by an increase of nearly five lakh registered voters compared to previous elections. In the 2019 polls, the state had recorded a turnout of 69.59 per cent, with Udham Singh Nagar topping the charts at 84.26 per cent, and Almora logging the lowest at 60.04 per cent. Districts like Champawat, Nainital, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar had seen polling percentages ranging between 63 and 75 per cent, while in the Garhwal division, Uttarkashi led with 78.43 per cent.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Dhami described panchayats as the foundation of rural development and underscored the importance of voter participation in strengthening democratic processes. He urged youth, women and senior citizens to embrace the power of the ballot, noting that each vote contributes decisively to shaping the future of the state.
In view of monsoon conditions, the Election Commission has deployed personnel from NDRF, SDRF and DDRF at sensitive polling stations to ensure safe and uninterrupted voting, with these teams operating alongside polling staff in disaster-prone areas.
