02 Jan, 12:24 (IST)

DMK leads in two constituencies which is underway, Counting for the post of District Panchayat Ward Member has been completed in 73 centres out of 515 centres in the State. In the tally, DMK has clinched 48 centers, while AIADMK stands with 27 centers. Also, DMK had secured lead in 83 centers, while AIADMK is leading in 66 centers for the post of Panchayat Union Ward Member.

02 Jan, 11:33 (IST)

Counting is yet to start in Pattukottai panchayat town in Thanjavur district due to delay in preparatory works.

02 Jan, 09:56 (IST)

A candidate, Pechiammal, who contested for panchayat leader post in Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, passed away on Thursday, Financial Times reported.

02 Jan, 09:39 (IST)

Counting of votes in Virudhunagar district's Aruppukottai panchayat was delayed after the key to the ballot box went missing. With no other option left, officials broke open the ballot and commenced counting.

02 Jan, 08:53 (IST)

The counting of votes for the Tamil Nadu rural local body (Panchayat) elections began in 27 districts on Thursday at 8 am amid tight security.

Madurai, January 2: The counting of votes has commenced on Thursday at 8 am for the two-phased rural local bodies poll held in Tamil Nadu from December 27 to December 30. Security has been tightened at the 315 counting centres across the state. The results are likely to come in after three hours and most are expected by evening. The result will declare the fate of 313 panchayats in the southern state. Tamil Nadu Village Boycotts Election For Panchayat President As Post Was Reserved For Dalit Candidate.

More than 2 lakh people contested polls for 91,975 posts. The posts are Gram Panchayat President posts, Gram Panchayat Ward member posts, Gram Panchayat Ward member posts, and Panchayat Union ward member posts. Out of 2.38 eligible voters, close to two crores exercised their franchise.

AIADMK fought local bodies poll in alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam), PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) and TMK (Thyaga Marumalarchi Kazhagam). While DMK contested in alliance with Congress, CPM, CPI, MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), KMDK (Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi) and VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi).

Reports informed that during the polls, ballot papers in four different colours were used instead of electronic voting machines (EVM). The polls were held after a delay of nearly three years. The polling was held in two phases on December 27 and December 30.

The first phase polling saw a voter turnout of 76.19 per cent, and the second phase saw 77.73 per cent, as per Tamil Nadu State Election Commission (TNSEC).