Agencies / NEW DELHI / RAIPUR

Polling concluded peacefully for the first phase of Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh on Monday. Voting took place in 18 constituencies spread over 8 districts in this phase.

70 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 PM.

Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said, the voter turnout in 2013 assembly elections was 75.6 per cent.

Polling remained by and large peaceful. 190 candidates are in the fray.

Our correspondent reports that elaborate security arrangements were made to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

The remaining 72 constituencies in the state will go to polls on the 20th of this month in the second and final phase.