At least 72 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the elections to the 40-member Mizoram assembly which passed off peacefully on Tuesday.

State Chief Electoral Officer Lalmalsawma told PTI the turnout was estimated at about 72 per cent, but there were a number of polling stations in remote areas from where the final figures could not be received due to communication snags.

"Besides, there are some polling stations in south Mizoram's Lunglei and Saiha districts where long lines of voters were still outside even after 5 pm," he said, adding that the final percentage was likely to go up.

He said that the final figure would be officially available only when all polling parties reach their respective district headquarters, which might be only by Wednesday evening.

The polls will decide the fate of 205 candidates.

Polling was totally peaceful and smooth except for six defective electronic voting machines which had to be replaced, he said.

The main contenders are ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), opposition Congress and United Democratic Alliance (UDA), an alliance of Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) and Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP).

Chief Minister Zoramthanga contested from his home turf -- Champhai North and Champhai South seats, while former chief minister and state Congress chief Lal Thanhawla was in the fray from Serchhip and Tuipui South in south Mizoram's Lunglei district.