A correspondent
GANGTOK, Oct 21 - Bypolls to three constituencies of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly took place on Monday. Chief Minister PS Tamang is contesting from Poklok Kamrang, held previously by former Chief Minister and SDF supremo Pawan Chamling.
By 5 pm, the turnout for Poklok Kamrang was 79.36 per cent, Martam Rumtek was at 72.60 per cent and Gangtok was at 52.03 per cent.
These polls are being considered an acid test for the SKM-BJP combine in the Himalayan state. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ravindra Telang said the polls were conducted peacefully.
Raj Yadav, the District Collector of East District who is also the Returning Officer, said there were six critical pooling booths and five women-managed pooling booths in the district, where two constituencies were going for bye-election � Martam Rumtek and Gangtok.
As per information received from the Election Commission till 3 pm, Poklok Kamrang saw the highest polling at 72.18 per cent, while Martam Rumtek saw 64.93 per cent polling and the lowest turnout was in Gangtok at 44.18 per cent.
A total of 44,534 were eligible to vote in the bye-election. The results will be declared on October 24. Martam Rumtek and Poklok Kamrang both had 22 polling booths each, while Gangtok had 12 polling booths for the bye-election.