A large number of voters (89.47%) turned up to exercise their franchise at the panchayat elections to Casarvarnem, Alorna and Chandel-Hassapur in Pernem taluka on Friday.
The highest voter turnout was recorded in Casarvarnem (91.07%), followed by Alorna (90.55%) and Chandel-Hassapur (87.42%).
Counting of votes will take place at Sant Soyrobanath Ambiye College at Valape Virnoda on December 11 from 8 am onwards.
Of the 19 wards in three panchayats, two candidates were elected unopposed, and voting for the remaining 17 wards took place peacefully and without any untoward incident. Forty candidates are in the fray.
Pernem Taluka District Mamlatdar Anant Malik is the election officer and 300-plus police personnel were deputed on election duty.
Some young contestants, when contacted, said people need a change and if educated panch members are elected, they would be in a better position to reach out to people with the government schemes and policies.
