IN PICS | DDC Polls: With 52% Turnout, First Phase Voting In J&K Passes Off Peacefully

(Image: PTI)

File Image: PT

(Image: PTI)

The voting for the newly-envisaged DDCs also coincided with bypolls to panchayats. Voting percentage with regard to panch and sarpanch seats was being compiled. He said the counting of votes for the DDC constituencies will be taken on December 22. (Image: PTI)

The election is significant as it is the first major democratic exercise since the Centre abrogated Article 370 that gave special status to J-K and bifurcated the state into two union territories in August year. (Image: PTI)

In the Jammu division, a turnout of 74.62% in Reasi was followed by Rajouri (70.52), Poonch (68.69), Samba (68.61), Doda (64.49), Ramban (64.21), Kathua (62.82), Jammu (61.49), Udhampur (57.13) and Kishtwar (55.16). In Kashmir, Budgam was followed by Kupwara with a turnout of 50.74 percent, Ganderbal (48.62), Bandipora (43.57), Anantnag (43.32), Shopian (42.58), Kulgam (34.35), Srinagar (33.76), Baramulla (32.51) and Pulwama (6.70). [Image: PTI]

The election is witnessing a triangular contest among the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of parties that are seeking restoration of Article 370, the BJP and the Apni Party floated by former finance minister Altaf Bukhari. (Image: PTI)

Barring a minor stone-pelting incident in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, the overall polling concluded peacefully with voters showing enthusiasm despite the morning chill. (Image: PTI)

Enthusiasm among the voters was witnessed in all the 43 DDC constituencies which went to polls today including 25 in Kashmir and 18 in Jammu region. (Image: PTI)

The first round of polling in the eight-phase maiden DDC elections passed off peacefully, except for a minor incident of stone-pelting in Kulgam. Voter percentage of 51.76 was recorded in the first phase -- 64.2 percent in Jammu division and 40.65 percent in Kashmir division. (Image: PTI)

A security personnel stands guard as voters wait in queues to cast their votes for the first phase of the District Development Council (DDC) elections in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. (Image: PTI)