Imphal, January 11: The CPI has announced the first list of its candidates for the 9th Assembly election.

In all the Left party is intending to field 27/28 candidates.

Speaking to the media at Irabot Bhawan today evening, the State Secretary, BB Sharma spelt out the name of the candidates in the first list.

In all 23 candidates were named today.

The candidates who have been nominated by the party include, Ph Parijat for Lamlai AC, N Mangi for Kumbi AC, Moirangthem Nara for Wangjing Tentha AC, Thokchom Tomba for Kakching AC, M Nabadwip for Patsoi AC, L Sotinkumar for Khurai AC, Athokpam Lala for Kshetrigao AC, L Premchandra for Khundrakpam AC, Md Nur Rahman for Moirang AC, Dr L Shashikumar for Konthoujam AC, N Singhajit for Langthabal, Usham Deven for Wabagai, H Sanayaima for Thanga AC, Dr H Borajao for Sekmai, L Summatibala Devi for Keishamthong AC, N Tombi Raj for Uripok AC, Y Angou for Keirao AC, N Iboton for Mayang Imphal AC, Dr Ch Angou for Andro, Nehkhothang Haokip for Chandel AC, Tuanzalian for Thanlon AC, Onzamang Haokip for Tengnoupal and Miss Kim Gangte for Henglep.

Speaking to the media persons, B Sharma said that the list of the candidates was drawn up after minutely studying the prospects and antecedents of each one of them.

The second list of the candidates will be announced after about four days, said the CPI leader and added that since there are some tussle over the party's ticket, the names will be announced after minutely discussing the matter.

The second list may see the names of one or two candidates in the hill districts and another two or three for the valley areas, said B Sharma.

Not less than 15 candidates of the CPI will emerge victorious, predicted B Sharma.

Senior leader and Minister in the SPF Government, P Parijat said that the CPI decided not to field candidates in all the 60 ACs as it only wants to nominate candidates in sure shot segments.

No single party will win absolute majority, he predicted.

The CPI will engage in friendly fights with the Congress where seat adjustments could not be worked out, said Parijat and added that there is no misunderstanding or animosity between the two partners.

If the next Government is stable, like the SPF Govt which completed its full term, then development can take place, he added.

Predicting that the MPP will not be able to provide stability, Parijat said that the CPI will strongly oppose all the party hoppers.

The general secretary of the CPI AB Bardhan and president of the All India Trade Union Congress will arrive at Manipur on January 20 on a two day visit in connection with the pending election, informed Parijat.

The two leaders will attend a public meeting scheduled to be held at Thoubal.