Bypoll in Williamnagar constituency in Meghalaya recorded 78.82 percent of voters turnout on Friday. Chief Electoral Officer, FR Kharkongor said the turnout of voters up to 5 pm was 76.87 percent which later increased to 78.82 percent after the arrival of all polling officials from booths across the constituency.
Polling in the constituency was held from 7am to 4pm on Friday.
Williamnagar constituency has 32,345 eligible voters – 16,713 male and 15,632 female voters, and the voting was conducted in 58 polling booths spread across the constituency.
On malfunctioning of EVMs and VVPATs, Kharkongor said that defects were detected in one EVM and one VVPAT before the poll, and after the machines were replaced, the polling continued smoothly.
Williamnagar is being represented by senior Congress MLA, Deborah C Marak who is hoping of retaining the seat.
The election to Williamnagar was countermanded following the killing of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma on February 18.
NCP has fielded his wife, Krenila Marak as the candidate.
Besides Deborah and Krenila, the other seven candidates in the fray include NPP candidate Marcuise Marak, Mahamsing M Sangma (UDP), Santosh R Marak (BJP), and four Independents – Sengbath R Marak, Lahatson N Marak, Siljong R Marak, and Jan N Arengh.
Counting of votes will take place on May 1.