AGARTALA, Feb 18 (TIWN): Final voting percentage couldn't announce tonight as voting had been continuing even after 9 PM. Talking to media, CEO Sriram Taranikanti said that as per last report till 9 PM the voting percentage went 78.56 %. However, the CEO further mentioned, "We are aware about the voters' pains who had to wait for 2- 3 hours in long queues. They might have faced many problems including food-issues, but for their patience I like to congratulate them and also I'm thanking them for cooperation". Talking about the webcasting of polling stations which was directed by Election Commission to connect Tripura with Delhi, Taranikanti said, "Due to slow network service in many constituencies, the webcasting couldn't be successful 100 %, but atleast 70 % works remained satisfactory".

The voters were seen in front of various polling stations even after night 9 PM today and thus the final polling percentage couldn't be announced. 

Voting for the Assembly elections in India's northeastern state of Tripura began on Sunday morning amidst tight security.

 Among the 3,214 polling stations in Tripura there are 47 police stations which are totally controlled by women polling personnel in Tripura.  From Group-D to Presiding officers all are women, except 'voters', who will be from both men and women.

"Men and women in large numbers queued up in front of many polling stations well before polling opened at 7 a.m. in the entire state. Polling to be end at 4 p.m.," said Sriram Taranikanti, the Chief Electoral Officer.

In all, 2,536,589 people, including 1,250,128 women and 47,803 first-time voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 292 candidates, including 23 women and many independents.

"Apprehending troubles by some tribal outfit, a record 50,000 para-military and other state security personnel have been deployed while two air surveillance team led by senior officials are conducting surveillance by helicopters," the election official.