Mon Dec 15 05:54:57 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the provided text:

Summary:

Arunachal Pradesh is holding elections for Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies (Itanagar and Pasighat) on December 15, 2025. Voter turnout was moderate in the morning but picked up throughout the day, with an estimated 21% voting by noon. Tight security measures are in place. Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged citizens to vote. The BJP has already secured a significant number of seats unopposed. Counting will occur on December 20, and a public holiday has been declared for the election day.

News Article:

Arunachal Pradesh Holds Local Elections Amid Tight Security

Itanagar, December 15, 2025 – Elections for Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies in Itanagar and Pasighat are underway in Arunachal Pradesh today. As of noon, an estimated 21% of the 831,648 eligible voters had cast their ballots.

Polling began at 7 AM, with a slow start attributed to the cold weather, but gained momentum as the day progressed. The State Election Commission (SEC) reported voter turnout of 20.45% for panchayat polls, and 19% and 21% respectively for the Itanagar and Pasighat municipal elections.

Over 40,000 security personnel and 15,000 polling staff have been deployed to ensure peaceful elections. Chief Minister Pema Khandu cast his vote in Tawang district and appealed to the public to participate actively in strengthening grassroots democracy.

The ruling BJP has already secured a significant advantage, winning 58 zilla parishad constituencies and numerous gram panchayat seats unopposed, along with four seats in the Itanagar Municipal Corporation. A total of 440 candidates are contesting for the remaining 186 zilla parishad seats, while 39 and 21 candidates are vying for seats in the Itanagar and Pasighat municipal councils, respectively.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being used for municipal polls, while ballot boxes are used for panchayat elections. The SEC stated that 2,171 polling stations have been set up for panchayat elections, 67 for Itanagar and 12 for Pasighat.

Counting of votes is scheduled for December 20th. The state government has declared December 15th a public holiday, with all government offices, banks, and educational institutions closed. Private sector employees are also entitled to a holiday without wage deduction.

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