New Delhi, April 16 : The Election Commission of India on Thursday expressed satisfaction on the first phase of polls held in 15 States and two Union Territories by describing it "more or less peaceful".

In the first phase, 58 to 62 per cent of 143 million voters exercised their right to vote.

The Thurdsay''''s polls were held for 124 Parliamentary seats, spread over 15 states and two Union Territories and 154 assembly segments in Andhra Pradesh and 70 in Orissa.

Releasing the tentative figures about the total voter turnout, the Election Commission stated Bihar witnessed 46 per cent voting, Jharkhand (50 %), Chhattisgarh (51%), Jammu and Kashmir (48%), Orissa (53%), Mahrashtra (54%), Kerala (60%), Meghalaya (65%) Andhra Pradesh (65%), Uttar Pradesh (48%), Assam and Arunachal Pradesh (62 %), and Lakshadweep (86%).

However, in the Naxalite affected States of Jharkhand, Orissa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, Naxals struck at 14 places and killed 16 people in the poll-related violence on Thursday. (ANI)