UP polls 1st phase sees over 60% turnout

Lucknow: Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of polling held on Thursday across 58 assembly constituencies in 11 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Polling closed at 6 pm following a one-hour extension because of Covid-19 protocols. The day passed off peacefully with minor technical snags in EVMs at some places, EC off icials said. Additional Chief Election Officer (ACEO) B.D. Ram Tiwari said, “There were reports of a technical error in EVMs at some places.” Those EVMs were being replaced as the reports came in, he added. On the Samajwadi Party’s allegation that some poor voters were not allowed to exercise their franchise, Tiwari said the district magistrate concerned was asked to look into the matter.