Over 70 percent turnout in Jharkhand panchayat polls' final phase

Ranchi: The fourth and final phase of Jharkhand`s three-tier panchayat poll on Friday witnessed a 71.23 percent turnout, said an election official.

The final phase of polling, held in 41 blocks of the state`s 13 districts and involving a 29.76 lakh-strong electorate, began at 7 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m.

Expressing happiness over the peaceful conclusion of the polls, state`s chief election commissioner Shiv Basant thanked all people involved in the polling. 

"71.23 percent voter turnout was recorded in the final phase. Barring a few stray incidents and minor hiccups, polling by and large concluded peacefully in the state," he said.

At stake area total of 11,064 posts including in zilla parishads, panchayat samitis, gram panchayats and of mukhias.