In Bihar, an estimated 55 percent electorates excercised their right of franchise on Wednesday during the first phase of Panchayat elections in 57 blocks of the state. Maximum voter turnout of 75 percent was recorded at Araria district of the state.Secretary of the State Election Commission Ahibhusan Pandey told AIR Patna correspondent that the voting percentage is likely to increase as report from the remote areas is yet to come.The panchayat polls passed off peacefully barring a few stray incidents. Two presiding officers have been arrested in Saharasa and Betiah on charges of irregularities in the conduct of elections. Six contesting candidates were also arrested. Over Five hundred persons have been arrested as a precautionary measure . The Director General of Police Neelmani said that all SPs have been directed to submit charge sheet in cases involving violence by candidates within seven days and start speedy trials. The fortune of one lakh 43 thousand one hundred eighty five candidates have been sealed in ballot boxes after today polls . During this phase, voters exercised their right of franchise to elect 28 thousand six hundred 39 candidates for posts of Mukhiya Panch, Sarpanch, Members of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti and District Boards. The Panchayat elections will conclude on May 18 after nine more phases. The second phase of elections will be held on the 24th of this month.