Chief electoral officer Sudhir Kumar Rakesh said an estimated 51% people defied the Maoists' poll boycott call on Saturday to vote in 26 constituencies in the sixth and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections.
Incidents of violence, however, marred the otherwise peaceful polling.
A trooper of Bihar Military Police and a homeguard were killed and nine others injured on Saturday when a landmine went off while it was being defused in Gaya during the sixth and final phase of polling in Bihar.
Bihar Director General of Police Neelamani said the incident took place when the BMP bomb disposal squad was defusing the landmine planted by Maoists near Nanda village. Three TV journalists covering the operation were hurt.
The nine injured were taken to the AN Medical College and Hospital (ANMCH), where the condition of two of them was said to be critical.
In another incident, Maoists caused a mine explosion in Gaya district, injuring a Railway Protection Force constable when the security personnel were crossing a river on foot. The injured was brought to the same hospital and he is out of danger.
Polling was held in 18 Maoist-affected constituencies between 7 am and 3 pm, while in the eight other constituencies it continued for two more hours. The Bihar poll results will be announced on November 24.
{{/usCountry}}Polling was held in 18 Maoist-affected constituencies between 7 am and 3 pm, while in the eight other constituencies it continued for two more hours. The Bihar poll results will be announced on November 24.
{{/usCountry}}Neelamani said around 35 persons, including the brother of the BJP candidate from the Chenari constituency, were arrested as part of preventive measures. The arrests took place in Gaya, Aurangabad and Rohtas districts.