Despite attempts to instill fear, voters' enthusiasm was appreciable: CEC

New Delhi [India], Nov 12 (ANI): Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) O P Rawat on Monday said that despite attempts made to create fear among the people, their enthusiasm in casting their votes in Chhattisgarh was appreciable.
Speaking to ANI, Rawat said that the polling took place peacefully and no major problems were reported during the voting. "Polling was peaceful. In comparison to earlier elections, this election has been a singular achievement of the people working in fields. Attempts were made to create fear among people but enthusiasm in voters was appreciable," he said.
"We saw how voters had stood in long queues at those polling stations where there was zero per cent of voting earlier. We have received no complaints this time. There were very few failures. No major problems were reported during the polling. I am happy with how the voting process went through," Rawat added.
Chhattisgarh underwent the first phase of elections on Monday in 18 constituencies in eight Naxal-affected districts in Bastar region, with the voter turnout at 70 per cent. Out of these 18 seats, 12 seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes, while one was a Scheduled Caste reserved seat.
Addressing media persons here, Umesh Sinha, State Election Commissioner, said, "The voting has ended. Turnout is 70 per cent in the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. Voting percentage figure, however, will be updated later."
Around 53 polling stations out of the total of 4,336 reported delayed starts due to technical reasons. However, 100 per cent polling stations have reported smooth polling with long queues outside.
The polling for remaining 72 constituencies will take place on November 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 11. A total of 1,291 candidates are in the fray for the two-phased state polls. (ANI)