By IANS
Dharamsala : The notification for the second phase of elections for the remaining 65 constituencies of the Himachal Pradesh assembly will be issued Friday, the chief electoral officer of the state said here Thursday.
The first phase of the elections was conducted Nov 14 and some 62 percent of the voters cast their ballot. The polling in three seats – Kinnaur, Bharmaur and twin valleys of Lahaul & Spiti – was held five weeks before the rest of the state, as these areas tend to get snowbound early in winter.
Polling for the remaining 65 constituencies would be held on Dec 19 and the counting for both the phases would be held Dec 28 to complete the election process by Dec 31, said election officer Manisha Nanda while addressing a meeting of representatives of political parties in the Himachal Pradesh capital.
Nanda said that last date for filing nomination papers would be Nov 30 and the applications would be scrutinised on Dec 1. The nominations can be withdrawn by Dec 3.
She said the Election Commission of India has appointed 40 observers for free, fair and transparent elections.
These include 30 general observers and 10 expenditure observers, who will watch various aspects related to the elections.