The GHMC elections held today failed to attract many voters, with officials pegging the total voter turnout across 149 divisions at just 38.5% even at 5 pm.
Election officials predicted that the turnout could creep up to 40% by the end of the polling, which was extended to 6 pm.
Reports indicate that while the people in the city skipped the polls, the polling booths on the outskirts saw a higher turnout.
This year's turnout has been lower than that of the previous elections, perhaps owing to health concerns amidst the ongoing pandemic despite the many precautions that had been taken to ensure that Covid-19 safety measures were met.
Many voters also did not participate in the elections as they had returned home for the festive season, while others were busy with their professional commitments, the election officials said.
Meanwhile, in a surprising turn of events, the State Election Commission was forced to reschedule the elections for ward 26 in Old Malakpet following a misprint of party symbols on the ballot papers.
As a consequence, the poll body also banned exit polls till the completion of the re-election in Old Malakpet on December 3.
filed in:Elections, GHMC Elections, Local Body Elections, State Election Commission