Srinagar, Nov 25 (IANS): Nearly a third of the electorate cast their franchise till noon in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections to the state assembly Tuesday.

Polling is on for 15 assembly constituencies in the first phase.

Enthusiastic voters lined up outside polling stations in the state. The highest voter turnout of 41.90 percent was recorded at Doda, while the lowest - 10.47 percent - was witnessed at Leh.

Constituencies such as Gurez, Sonawari, Kangan, Kishtwar, Inderwal, Ramban and Bhaderwah had a voter turnout of about 35 percent.

Voting was slow in the initial hours due to intense morning cold and freezing temperatures. However, the voting picked up as the day progressed, giving way to a weak winter sun.

Polling started peacefully at all the 1,787 polling stations spread over seven districts, an official said.

Over a million voters will decide the political fate of 123 candidates in the fray in the first phase.