Agartala, Apr 26 (PTI) The Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a voter turnout of 16.97 per cent till 9 am on Friday, an official said.

Long queues were seen outside polling stations since morning, as people turned up early to beat the heat, Returning Officer Saju Vaheed said.

Also Read | Delhi Murder Case: Two, Including Minor Girl, Arrested for Killing Ice-Cream Vendor Near India Gate.

"Some EVMs were replaced after reports of malfunctioning... Polling is underway in a smooth manner,” he said.

Nearly 14 lakh voters, including 6.94 lakh women and 13 transgenders, will decide the fate of nine candidates in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls.

Also Read | West Bengal Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over 15% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 9 AM in Three Seats, Says Election Commission (Watch Video).

“I appeal to the voters to exercise their democratic right without any fear or intimidation,” INDIA bloc candidate Rajendra Reang told reporters after casting his vote at a polling station in Kanchanpur.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)