New Delhi: Polling is underway in the second and final phase of the local body elections in Assam. 62% have exercised their franchise during the first few hours of polling on Friday till 3 pm.

The polling began on Sunday at 7 am and continue till 3 pm.

Ten districts of the state will go to polls in this phase to elect anchalik panchayat and zila parishad members, gaon panchayat members and gaon panchayat presidents.

A total of 35056 candidates are in the fray in this phase of the elections. 

Counting of votes for both phases will be held on December 12.

74.5% polling was recorded in the first phase. 

This panchayat election is crucial because there is a huge resistance to the proposed Citizenship Amendment Bill and the dilution of the NRC. The fear of Bangladeshis migrating to Assam looms large, and it has seen a revival in terrorism in the state with the ULFA getting a foothold once again.