First phase of parliamentary and provincial elections in Nepal has been completed. Polling for 37 constituencies of House of Representatives and 74 seats of Provincial Assemblies was held in 32 districts today. <br/><br/>As per preliminary estimate 65 percent voters exercised their franchise in the first phase. AIR correspondent reports that barring few minor incidents of clashes polling was by and large peaceful.<br/><br/>It was a historic day for the people of Nepal as first time federal elections were held in the country. Voters of hilly and mountainous districts enthusiastically participated in the elections. Despite of severe cold people reached polling centres before 7 o'clock. <br/><br/>Female votres turned out in large numbers. Fate of 702 candidates including Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai and former Deputy PM Narayan Kaji Shrestha have been sealed in the ballot boxes. Now all eyes are on second and final round of elections scheduled on December 7 in remaining 45 districts.

First phase of parliamentary and provincial elections in Nepal has been completed. Polling for 37 constituencies of House of Representatives and 74 seats of Provincial Assemblies was held in 32 districts on Sunday. <br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that barring few incidents of minor clashes polling was by and large peaceful. Chief Election Commissioner told media persons in Kathmandu that as per preliminary estimate 65 percent voters exercised their franchise in the first phase. <br/><br/>Fate of 702 candidates including Former Prime Minister and Naya Shkati Party Nepal, Coordinator Baburam Bhattarai and former Deputy PM and Senior leader of CPN (Maoist Centre) Narayan Kaji Shrestha have been sealed in ballot boxes.<br/><br/>Polling for the second and final round will be held on December 7 in remaining 45 districts. The completion of parliamentary and provincial elections will further strengthen and institutionalize democracy in Nepal.