Tens of thousands line up to vote in elections in New Delhi in preview of national vote

NEW DELHI – Tens of thousands of New Delhi residents have begun lining up to vote in polls just months before the country holds its general elections.

The incumbent Congress Party's top elected official Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is seeking a fourth consecutive term. Opposing her are the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the fledgling Common Man's Party.

Security was tight Wednesday with 65,000 police officers and additional paramilitary troops on duty to prevent any outbreak of violence at the thousands of polling stations across the capital.

Nearly 12 million Delhi residents are vote to select the 70-member Delhi Assembly.

Analysts say the polls are expected to show a trend for the three parties heading into next year's national elections.