In Punjab, the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections saw a modest start with only eight percent voter turnout recorded by 10 am. Polling began at 8 am amidst rigorous security measures, and is scheduled to continue until 4 pm.

Approximately 9,000 candidates are competing in elections covering 347 zones of 22 zila parishads and 2,838 zones of 153 panchayat samitis. A total of 1.36 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes.

Security has been reinforced with 44,000 police personnel, while election and police observers oversee proceedings to ensure a fair electoral process.

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