Aizawl, Apr 19 (Reporter) Mizoram witnessed a low voter turnout on Friday with only 52.62 percent of the total 8,56,364 eligible voters casting their votes by 5 PM across the 1,276 polling stations in the state, during the first phase of the general elections to the Lok Sabha on Friday, officials said. Despite extensive voter awareness campaigns conducted by the election department to encourage greater participation in the Lok Sabha polls, voters in Mizoram appeared hesitant to elect their representative to the single Lok Sabha seat allotted to the state. Around 43.35 percent electorate have exercised their franchise for the Lok Sabha polls in Mizoram till 1.00 PM on Friday. The voting began at 0700 hours. Voters' turnout at 9.00 AM was 17.59 percent which was increased to 43.35 percent till 1:00 PM. It went up to 52.62 percent by 5PM. Historically, Mizoram has struggled with lower voter turnout during Lok Sabha elections compared to its Assembly counterparts, despite the close timing of the elections. In response, the Election Department has launched proactive initiatives to raise awareness and encourage greater participation in the Lok Sabha polls. Expressing concern over the potential for low voter turnout, State Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas held a press conference on Friday at noon, urging government employees to exercise their right to vote. Vyas said that the government has declared polling day a public holiday to facilitate seamless participation in the electoral process...////...