Chennai: The counting of votes polled during the local body elections conducted in nine districts continued in many places for the second consecutive day today, due to paper ballot system.
The ruling DMK has emerged clear winner in the polls, as it secured victory in maximum number of seats. While the main opposition AIADMK came second, other parties could not make any big impact.
State Election Commission sources said the counting process was progressing smoothly in all the 74 centres spread over nine districts.
In the first phase of elections held on 6 October, 74.37 per cent polling was recorded. In the second phase of elections held on 9 October, 78.47 per cent polling was recorded.
Of the total strength of 27,003 posts, 2,981 candidates were declared elected unopposed and a total of 79,433 candidates contested the two-phase elections.
In the first phase, polling was held for 78 district panchayat ward member posts, 755 panchayat union ward member posts, 1,577 village panchayat president posts and 12,252 village panchayat ward member posts.
In the second phase, polling was held to elect 62 district panchayat ward members, 626 panchayat union ward members, 10,329 village panchayat ward members and 1,324 village panchayat presidents.
In the by-elections to 424 posts of the rural local bodies in 28 other districts held on 9 October, 70.51 percent polling was recorded.