Polls close in Nepalese election

Voting has ended in Nepal's first election to scrap the monarchy and create a new republic.

Security was tight as more than 17 million people registered cast their ballots at about 20 thousand polling stations. (CCTV.com)

The Election Commission says voter turnout was about 60 percent.

Security was tight as more than 17 million people registered cast their ballots at about 20 thousand polling stations.

The vote will establish a Constituent Assembly meant to write a new constitution.

This comes as the cornerstone of a 2006 peace deal struck with former rebels that forced Nepal's king to end his dictatorship and restore democracy.

While voting went smoothly throughout much of the Himalayan country scattered violence killed 2 people including an independent candidate.

One polling station was torched and another candidate escaped.