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Town house balance of power up for grabs as voters go to the polls

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Voters go to the polls tomorrow in council elections that will determine who runs Aberdeen for the next five years.

The Scottish National Party is aiming to retake control of the town house after being ousted in 2012 in favour of a Labour-led coalition.

It is the only party fielding sufficient candidates to win an overall majority of the 45 seats in the chamber up for grabs.

But the most likely result appears to be another power-sharing arrangement, with smaller groups vying to be the kingmakers.

Around 163,000 individuals hold the balance of power at the townhouse in their hands – though barely a third cast a vote in 2012.

Officials hope for a higher turnout this time and have set up 139 polling stations in 72 locations across the city – covering all 13 local wards, each electing either three or four members.

Ballot boxes are open from 7am to 10pm and details of where to vote are available via the council’s website.

Under the STV system voters can rank as many of the available candidates in their ward as they choose in order of preference

Counting will take place electronically at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre with the results expected by late afternoon.

At present, Labour has 17 councillors, the SNP 16, Liberal Democrats five, the Independent Alliance three and Conservatives two.

This year there are two additional seats up for grabs – one in each of the George St/Harbour and Kincorth/Nigg/Cove wards due to population growth.

Parties have set out rival visions for the city’s future – including a new bridge over the Dee to ease traffic, additional council homes and a “war” on potholes.

Campaigning has been dominated by the row over huge business rate hikes facing north-east firms – and rival promises of extra local help.