Thursday, September 10, 2009

67 per cent votes cast in Sikkim assembly bypoll

Gangtok, Sept 10 (PTI) Over 67 per cent votes were cast in the bypoll for Namchi-Singhithang assembly seat in Sikkim today amidst tight security.

More than 6,100 of the 9,086 electorate, including Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and his wife Tika Maya, used their franchise, Joint Chief Electoral Officer C P Dhakal said.

Five contestants -- Binod Kumar Rai (SDF), Youva Raj Rai (INC), Arjun Kumar Rai (SGPP), Chandra Prakash Manger and Namgyal Bhutia (both Independent) -- are in the fray for the seat.

The counting of votes will be held at Namchi, district headquarters of South Sikkim, on September 14, Dhakal said.