BHUBANESWAR: The first phase of the three-tier panchayat polls in the State was, by and large, peaceful even as three policemen were injured in naxalite firing in Malkangiri district on Tuesday.

According to the State Election Commission, preliminary reports indicated that over 55 per cent voters cast their votes despite rain affecting normal life during the polling hours in different parts of the State. Bad weather condition was stated to be a major reason for the low voter turnout.

Polling could not be conducted in as many as 74 booths, including 25 booths in Malkangiri where polling officials could not reach in time.

Fresh polling would be conducted in all these booths, the Commission said.

The three policemen were injured when naxalites opened fire at the police party accompanying election officials to a polling booth under Kalimela Block of the district. Two of the injured policemen sustained severe injuries, police said.

Landmine blast

The Maoists also triggered a landmine blast in Poplur area of Kalimela. However, there was no casualty.

There were several incidents of violence involving workers of different political parties from different areas. There was no loss of human life.

In many areas, the voters complained about the voting hours and its duration. The polling was held between 7 a.m. and 12 noon as decided by the Election Commission.

The first phase of the elections was held in 203 Zilla Parishad zones spread over all the 30 districts. Polling was also simultaneously conducted for 1597 posts of panchayat samiti member, 1,605 sarpanch posts and 22,252 ward member posts that came under the 203 parishad areas.

The current elections are being held in five phases. The second phase of the elections will take place on February 15 when polling will be conducted in 217 Zilla Parishad zones. A total of 59, 89,241 voters will exercise their franchise in a total of 21932 booths.

The third, fourth and fifth phases of polls will be held on February 17, February 19 and February 21 respectively.

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