Nepalese go to the polls

People in Nepal have begun voting in nationwide elections that will decide the future direction of the country.



The polls are for an assembly that is expected to revise Nepal\'s constitution and abolish its 240 year old monarchy.



The run-up to the polls has been mired by violence that claimed eight lives, and prompted international calls for calm.



Explosions in separatist strongholds in the country\'s south and clashes between rival gangs have fuelled tensions.



EU electoral observers and UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon have been among those expressing concern.