Manipur elections: 80% turnout in the state, polling ends

All eyes would be on Irom Sharmila and her Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance.

Updated: Saturday, March 4, 2017, 17:10 [IST]

Imphal, March 4: The first phase of the Manipur assembly elections concluded on Saturday. The first phase covered 38 constituencies, in which the fate of 168 candidates will be decided. There are 19.02 lakh voters comprising 9.28 lakh male voters and 9.73 lakh women. There are around 45,642 new voters.

Is it a record? Just one candidate with criminal background in Manipur polls 2017

The campaign of all political parties has been focused around the economic blockade which was imposed by the Naga Council. All eyes would be on Irom Sharmila and her Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance. The BJP has put in all its resources to try and overthrow the Congress which has ruled the state for 15 years.

Manipur polling — Voters standing in queue show their identity cards during the first phase of Manipur legislative assembly election at Lilong, Imphal west. Photo credit: PTI

Will the BJP topple the Congress or will the voter give its stamp of approval to Sharmila and her campaign against the repeal of AFSPA. Catch all the live updates here:

5 pm: Around 80% polling has been recorded in the state.

3.00 pm: Polling ends.

1.17 pm: Manipur records 69% voter turnout till 1 pm.

1.10 pm: Irom Sharmila's PRJA candidate Erendro attacked by unknown persons.

11.22 am: 43% voting recorded till 11 am in Manipur.

10.48 am: 29% voting recorded till 10 am in Manipur.

10.13 am: Irom Sharmila casts her vote at booth no. 3/39 of Khurai assembly constituency.

9.45 am: Manipur records 21% voter turnout till 9 am.

9.19 am: Differently abled people being assisted in Manipur as they cast their votes.

8.43 am: Manipur records 10% voter turnout till 8am.

7.47 am: First time voter shows her inked finger after casting vote at a polling booth in Manipur's Bishnupur.

7.10 am: Voting begins in Manipur.