50 percent turnout in capital, first casualties reported

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 10 April; Fifty percent turnout was reported at polling centers four hours after voting began at seven in the morning [01.15 GMT] in the capital in a peaceful atmosphere, representatives at centers said.
But widespread mal-practices have been reported from centers outside the Valley amid firings, suspension of voting and clashes.
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala returned to the capital after casting his ballot in hometown Biratnagar where widespread bombings were reported overnight ahead of the vote.
More than 50 percent ballots had been cast in the town as well four after polls.
Clashes have broken out between Maoists and other parties at center sin Kavre where CPN (Maoist) one day earlier demanded open voting.
Maoists have been forcing people to vote for them with the likelihood of the vote being suspended at some centers, radio reports said.
The first casualties during voting have also been reported.
One person died and two others were injured when gunfire broke out at a polling center, officials said.
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