Madhya Pradesh election 2018 LIVE Updates

50 percent voter turnout recorded till 3 pm, over 250 EVMs replaced; Kamal Nath courts controversy. Results will be announced on December 11

Nearly 27% turnout has been recorded till 1 pm in Madhya Pradesh where elections are being held across all 230 assembly seats. Meanwhile, Election Commission said that it will reconsider re-polling in those constituencies where EVM malfunction hampered voting. CEC OP Rawat told ANI that there were few complaints on malfunction of some EVMs and VVPAT machines and they were replaced immediately. “If it is observed that voters left due to malfunction, we can consider re-polling at that particular polling station.” The development comes in the backdrop of Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia demanding from the Election Commission to extend the polling time in constituencies where polling was marred due to malfunctioning EVMs. The Congress leader informed that he has written a letter to the EC regarding the same.

The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to enable over 5 crore voters to exercise their franchise. Earlier this morning, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed aarti on the bank of river Narmada and claimed that BJP will return to power with an absolute majority. Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise in Budhni, Shivraj said, “We are 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality.” Shivraj is seeking re-election from Budhni seat.