By Admin 
Counting of votes for the elections of 48 urban local bodies (ULBs) of Jharkhand has started today amid tight security arrangements. According to the State Election Commission, the counting started at 8 am and trends will start coming after about two hours. In many places the picture is expected to be clear by afternoon.
Voting was held on 23 February, more than 63% voting
Voting for these civic elections took place on 23 February. More than 63 percent of the approximately 43 lakh voters in the state exercised their franchise. This time, good enthusiasm was seen among the people regarding voting, especially in urban areas, participation of women and youth was seen increased.
State Election Commission Secretary Radhey Shyam Prasad said that counting of votes in 47 urban bodies except Dhanbad is expected to be completed today itself. Counting is to be done in nine phases in Dhanbad Municipal Corporation, so the final results can come by Saturday.
Tight security arrangements have been made at the counting centres. Along with the police force, magistrates have also been deployed so that there is no disturbance of any kind.
Elections held in 1,042 wards
There are a total of 1,087 wards in 48 ULBs of the state, but voting took place only in 1,042 wards. 41 councilors have already been elected unopposed. In three wards, seats remained vacant due to lack of nomination, while in one ward of Mango Municipal Corporation the election was canceled due to the death of a candidate.
More than 6 thousand candidates in the fray
There are 562 candidates in the fray for the posts of Mayor and President, including 235 women. Whereas 5,562 candidates tried their luck for the post of Ward Councilor, out of which 2,727 are women. Even though the election was not fought on the symbol of any party, many candidates have the support of different political parties.
Now everyone’s eyes are on the results coming today, which will decide in whose hands the government of the cities will go.