First phase of AP panchayat poll sees 81.42% turnout

AMARAVATI: The first phase of polling for 2,723 panchayats in Andhra Pradesh ended peacefully with 81.42% turnout, the State Election Commission said here on Tuesday. The SEC, however, did not provide the total number of eligible voters. "The State Election Commission expresses its satisfaction on completion of Phase-I elections to Gram Panchayats in the State," it said. Polling began at 6.30 am and ended 3.30 pm, while counting of votes began at 4 pm, officials said. Polling was also held to elect 20,157 ward members.