Himachal LS polls: People arrive in traditional attire to vote at world's highest polling booth in Tashigang

Lahaul and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 1 (ANI): As the nation witnessed the seventh and final phase voting for the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday, Tashigang, the world's highest polling booth, welcomed voters with great enthusiasm. There was a lot of fervour among voters in Spiti Valley regarding the Mandi parliamentary seat and the Lahaul-Spiti assembly by-election. Local people came to vote in traditional dress at Tashigang.

A total of 49 votes were cast by 3 pm at Tashigang polling station, located at 15,256 feet above sea level. Among these, 28 male and 11 female voters cast their votes, resulting in a 79 percent voter turnout. Meanwhile, voter turnout in Spiti Valley was recorded at 69 percent by 3 pm.
The official X handle of the Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh also posted about the world's highest polling station and said, "At the world's highest polling booth in Tashigang, Lahaul Spiti the celebration of Democracy is filled with enthusiasm and excitement. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kaza, Rahul Jain, joined them in the festivity in traditional dress."

The Election Commission of India also took to its official X handle and posted, "World's highest polling booth: Tashigang! The fervour of 'Chunav Ka Parv' celebration is at its best at the world's highest polling booth in Tashigang, Lahaul Spiti, Himachal Pradesh."
Kunjok Tenzin, 18, who was voting for the first time at the Tashigang polling station, expressed his excitement. "We used to read only in books or hear about voting from our elders. But this time, when I got the opportunity to vote for the first time, I felt very happy. I have cast my vote at the highest polling station in the country," Tenzin said.
ADC Kaza Rahul Jain also commented on the enthusiasm for voting in Spiti this time. "Local people have made excellent arrangements at the world's highest polling station," Jain said.
Notably, separate arrangements were made for children at the Tashigang polling station. Toys were provided for children to play with, and toffees and chocolates were distributed to them.
Lunch was arranged for every voter at Tashigang polling station, with traditional dishes being served. Additionally, local people were involved in making arrangements for food for the polling party and security personnel for the last two days.

The seventh and final phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections is on June 1 across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The polling for the last phase started on Saturday at 7:00 am in the 57 parliamentary constituencies spread across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The voter turnout in Himachal Pradesh till 5 pm was recorded at 66.56 per cent. Six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh have also gone to polls today. The outcome will have a bearing on the Congress government in the state. All six seats going to the polls were held by Congress MLAs from these seats cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha polls.
According to the Election Commission of India, over 10.06 crore electors, including approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female, and 3,574 third-gender electors, are expected to exercise their franchise.
After the conclusion of voting, the outcome of exit polls will be aired on various TV channels.
The Election Commission has issued a ban on exit polls from 7:00 am on April 19 to 6:30 pm on June 1, till the conclusion of polling. The high-voltage campaigning for the final phase of the Lok Sabha polls ended on Thursday. (ANI)