CHANDIGARH:  The Municipal polls in the state would be held in 95 Municipal Councils / Nagar Councils including 8 Nagar Panchayats in the State on June 30 from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. For the first time the electronic voting machines (EVMs) would be used in these polls.

Disclosing this here Saturday a spokesman of the State Election Commission Punjab said that total 2950 polling booths have been set up and 28 observers have been deputed for free, fair and smooth conduct of these polls. Around 12000 polling staff have been assigned duties at the polling centers.

He further added that more than one crore electorates would exercise their franchise to elect their Councilors from 1527 wards in 87 Municipal Councils / Nagar Councils and 8 Nagar Panchayats. Out of this, 251 wards have been reserved for Scheduled Castes candidates, 132 for Scheduled Castes women, 352 for women and 97 wards for Backward Classes candidates. General category candidates were contesting in 699 wards.

He added that the counting of votes would be held at the polling centers on the same day in the evening after the voting was over. The State Election Commission had already directed all the District Electoral Officers to personally supervise and monitor the poll process and keep strict vigil to maintain harmony and peace.