Voting for the Jalalabad Municipal Council election began promptly at 8:00 AM on Sunday. Due to the relatively pleasant weather, voters began arriving outside various polling stations as early as 7:30 AM.
At the scheduled time, polling staff allowed voters to enter the stations and commenced the voting process using EVMs. With this, the electoral fate of the 79 candidates in the fray began to be sealed within the EVMs. Enthusiasm was evident among voters during the early hours, with queues forming at several centers right from the start. A total of 33 polling stations have been set up for the Municipal Council election, with voting scheduled from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Voters present within the polling station premises by the time voting concludes will be given the opportunity to cast their votes. Seventy-nine candidates are contesting the election, and their fate will be decided by 28,750 voters.
**Includes 15,037 Male and 13,711 Female Voters**
The electorate comprises 15,037 male and 13,711 female voters. The administration has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the voting process is conducted peacefully and fairly. Polling staff, led by a Presiding Officer, have been deployed at every polling station, while approximately 250 personnel are engaged in the overall election management.
Necessary arrangements have also been made for the convenience of voters at the polling stations. To monitor the election process, the district administration has activated sector magistrates, flying squads, and static surveillance teams.
All teams are continuously inspecting the polling stations to prevent any irregularities. The administration asserts that the entire election process is being closely monitored.
**No One Allowed to Take the Law into Their Own Hands: SSP**
District Police Chief Gagan Ajit Singh stated that the police department is fully alert regarding the election. Around 200 police personnel have been deployed in and around Jalalabad, with special surveillance being maintained at sensitive polling stations.
Continuous patrolling and the setting up of checkpoints are being carried out to ensure security. Authorities have made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the atmosphere or violate regulations during the election.
**The picture will become clear by late tonight**
Vote counting will take place at the respective polling stations once voting concludes. According to the administration, results for all 17 wards are likely to be declared by late tonight. This will clarify which party or group will form the board in the Municipal Council.
