The first phase of the Manipur elections began at 7 am Monday across 38 constituencies in five districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi and Chandel, amid high tension and tight security arrangements. 

Imphal East reported a voter turnout of 76.64 per cent, Imphal West - 82.19 per cent, Bishnupur - 73.44 per cent, Kangpokpi - 82.97 per cent and Churachandpur - 74 per cent till 5 pm.

As many as 173 candidates, including 15 female candidates, were in the fray in the first phase of the polls. In all, 12,09,439 total voters, including 5,80,607 males, 6,28,657 females and 175 transgender were expected to exercise their franchise across 1,721 polling stations in the first phase.