Srinagar, Dec 25 : It was ''curtains down'' for the polls to the State legislature in Kashmir on Wednesday, bringing to an end the crucial final phase of elections in the region.

Addressing a news conference here, B R Sharma, Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir expressed satisfaction at the peaceful conclusion of the polls.

"I feel very happy that the people could exercise their universal franchise freely and faithfully. Elections have gone completely peacefully. The biggest satisfaction is that the turnout of the voters has been unprecedented," he added.

"People have to be given full credit, administrative arrangements are made for the people, and they use their solidarity to the system of democracy and democratic values," he said.

In the final phase of Assembly polls, over 56 per cent voting was recorded. The poll percentage in 13 assembly segments of Jammu and Samba districts was 70 per cent.

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded in the sixth phase, which spread in the districts of Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar in Jammu Division and Anantnag and Kulgam districts in Kashmir.

Approximately 57 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the fifth phase on Saturday. Polling took place in eleven constituencies in the districts of Kathua, Shopian and Pulwama.

An estimated 55 per cent of the 14 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the fourth phase of polling on December 7.

Despite the call by separatists for boycott of elections, 64 per cent participated in the first phase.

At least 65 per cent voting was recorded during the second phase of polling.

In the first four phases, the number of candidates showed a marked increase this time as compared to 2002. In the Kashmir division the number has gone up to more than double.

The results will be declared on December 28. (ANI)