Srinagar: Counting of votes in 280 seats of District Development Council in Jammu and Kashmir is being done. The state election commission officials, a total of 4,181 candidates, including more than 450 women candidates, are in the fray in the eight-phase polling in the union territory. As per preliminary trends, BJP-9 was leading in PDP-5 seats, while National Conference was leading in 4 seats. Overall, about 51 per cent voting has been recorded in this election. The fate of 2178 candidates will be decided for 280 DDC seats. The first phase of voting was held on 28 November and the eighth and final voting was held on 19 December. In all, 51 per cent of the 57 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in these peacefully concluded elections. Seven political parties centred on Kashmir contested the election under the banner of the Declaration Alliance. These parties also include the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party. All necessary arrangements have been made for counting of votes and counting of votes has started in all 20 districts of the union territory from 9 am. Also Read:- Kilauea volcano erupts on Hawaii's Big Island Tazeen Fatma, release from jail after 10 months, Akhilesh says 'finally got justice' West Bengal: 3800 leaders join BJP in 1 day after Shah's visit