Update: 8:44am 

Lucknow: The two-month long election process in five states-Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa came to an end on March 8 and the results will be announced on March 11.

Counting of votes for the high-stakes assembly elections 2017 in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur will take place today with trends expected to be available by 11 am. By 12 noon, a final picture could emerge on who would be the major players in the five states.

Election Commission officials said the counting of votes commences at 8 am and will be completed by late evening. Counting will take place at 157 centres-Punjab (53), Goa (2), UP (75), Uttarakhand (15) and Manipur (12).

Uttar Pradesh, a 403 seat state Assembly is likely to see a BJP government as most of the surveys projected it as the single largest party in the state. The BJP is likely to retain Goa (40 seats) and secure victory in Uttarakhand (71 Assembly) and Manipur (60 seats). Activist Iron Sharmila makes her election debut in Manipur. However, in Punjab(117 seats) Congress is expected to return to power.