Indian voting averages 46-86 per cent

Between 46 and 86 per cent of 143 million voters exercised their franchise in the first round of general elections on Thursday, the Election Commission announced.

Between 46 and 86 per cent of 143 million voters exercised their franchise in the first round of general elections on Thursday, the Election Commission announced.

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Giving preliminary statistics compiled from 15 states and two union territories, an Election Commission official said the voting ranged from 46 per cent in Bihar to a high 86 per cent in Lakshadweep island.

"By and large the elections were peaceful," Deputy Election Commissioner R Balakrishnan told reporters after 10 hours of balloting.

He said there were sporadic incidents of violence blamed on Maoists in some states that left 17 people dead and many injured.