Polling percentage in Punjab was recorded at 70 per cent till 5 pm but with several people still in queue to cast their votes at booths across the state, the Election Commission was confident that it will reach 77 per cent.

The polling percentage in Punjab during the last Assembly elections in 2007 was 75.36 per cent while in Lok Sabha the figure was 70.04 per cent.

In Uttarakhand, the turnout at 5 pm was 65 per cent but the final figure was expected to be above 70 per cent.

This figure is higher than recorded in 2007 in Uttarakhand when it was 63.96 per cent while in 2009 Lok Sabha elections it was only 53.96 per cent.

The Election Commission was quick to take credit for this with Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla saying this increase was a result of the poll panel's campaign "greater participation for a better democracy".

Polling in both states was by and large peaceful and the run-up to the polls saw seizure of large amounts of cash, liquor and drugs meant for influencing the voters, the EC said.

Cash seized in Punjab was Rs 12.13 crore and in Uttarakhand it was Rs 1.36 crore.