In Jharkhand, poling for the first phase of Assembly elections passed of peacefully on Wednesday. According to initial reports, an estimated 40 to 45 percent of the electorate cast there votes in the polling which ended at 3 pm. AIR correspondent reports that polling was held in 26 out of 81 constituencies of the state in this phase. Tight security arrangements were in place for ensuring free and fair polls. Strict vigil was maintained in Maoist infested areas. Four helicopters were pressed into service for aerial survey. 470 candidates including 212 independents and 34 women are in the fray. The Election Commission had appointed 41 Observers and one thousand micro observers to monitor election process. The second phase of voting will be held on the 2nd of December. Counting for the five-phase polling will be held on the 23rd of December.<br/>