Leh:
Over 65 per cent electorate have exercised their franchise in the polling for the fifth Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Leh to elect 26 new councillors.
"An estimated 65.17 per cent voters cast their ballots to elect 26 councillors for the LAHDC Leh," an official spokesman said.
He said the figures of percentage are tentative and are expected to rise as certain polling stations are still to submit their reports.
The voting started at 08:00 hours on a brisk note with good number of voters turning up despite the morning chill at almost all the polling stations in Leh and surrounding villages.
"The voter turnout was indicative of the enthusiasm among the voters, especially, women who turned out in greater number at most of the polling booths in and around Leh town," the spokesman said.
93-year-old Abhi Dolma from Skara was among the oldest voters to exercise her franchise.
A large number of young voters were also witnessed during the polling that went peacefully across the district, the spokesman said.
As many as 90 candidates from BJP, Congress, NC, PDP, New Ladakh Movement (NLM) and independents are trying their luck to become the councillors.
The counting of votes is scheduled on October 23.