11th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election : Poll Schedule
Date : 4th January 2017

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur Vivek Kumar Dewangan today announced two phase polling schedule for the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly Elections, 2017. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Conference Hall, Old Secretariat, South Block. The first phase election covering 38 ACs will be held on March 4, 2017 and 2nd phase election will be held on March 8, 2017 covering 22 ACs.

Issue of notification for the 1st phase election is scheduled on February 7, 2017 while for the 2nd phase is scheduled on February 9, 2017. Last Date for making nominations for the 1st phase election will be held on February 14, 2017 while for the 2nd phase is scheduled on February 17, 2017. Scrutiny of nomination for the 1st phase is scheduled on February 16, 2017 and for the 2nd phase is scheduled on February 17, 2017. Last date for withdrawal of candidature for the 1st phase is scheduled on February 18, 2017 and for the 2nd phase is scheduled on February 20, 2017. Counting of votes will be March 11, 2017. The Election process is scheduled to conclude on March 15, 2017.

The 1st phase election to be held on March 4, 2017 will cover Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Saitu and Saikul. The 2nd phase of election to be held on March 8, 2017 will cover Thoubal, Jiribam, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel, Karong, Mao, Tadubi.

Election Commission of India (ECI) has approved 258 VVPATs for Manipur that will be used in four ACs namely Singjamei, Yaiskul, Nambol and Thoubal. Additional 1,000 VVPATs will be used in 11 more ACs after obtaining ECI approval.

With the announcement of Election Schedule by the Election Commission, the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect w.e.f. January 4, 2017 that will apply to the whole of Manipur and will be applicable to all candidates and political parties. The details of the Model Code of Conduct and list of ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ are available on the websites of the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur at www.eci.gov.in and www.ceomanipur.nic.in.

All the political parties are directed to remove defacement of government office/property by 12 noon of January 5, 2017. Political parties are also directed to stop misuse of public property/public space by 12 noon of January 6, 2017. All the political parties are also instructed to remove defacement from private property by 12 noon of January 7, 2017. All political functionaries have to surrender government vehicle allotted to them by 12 noon of January 5, 2017. One official vehicle is allowed for official work which can not be used for campaigning or any other election related activities.

Manipur will be the first state to use Smart Phone Recording during election covering all 2,794 polling stations in 2,219 locations. Voters can watch the LIVE Streaming of polling using 3G connectivity. 1,200 polling stations will have 3G connectivity. However, all the 2,794 polling stations will be covered on Real Time Recording. Polling stations will have electricity connection provided by MSPDCL except for 108 polling stations. Alternative power will be supplied to these 108 polling stations.

For the first time on polling day, DC/RO shall be provided Voters’ Assistance Booth to advice and guide the voters. The upcoming election will also have for the first time photographs of candidates in EVMs. All candidates have to submit new affidavit with ‘No Demand Certificate’ failing which candidates may be disqualified. For Service Voters who are residing outside the state, Electronic Postal Ballot System will be used for the first time in Manipur. 250-300 companies of Central Para-military Forces will be provided for election. Para-military Forces will be deployed at all the polling stations.

The ECI has prohibited use of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am. Polling parties at remote areas will be airlifted through choppers provided by Ministry of Defence. Air ambulance will be used for emergency. All the polling stations will have ramp for differently abled voters and senior citizens. Manipur along with Uttarakhand are the first state to have 100 percent Photo Voter I-cards. This time the Voters Slip issued by DC/RO will have photographs of electors.

The ECI has launched IT applications SAMADHAN SOFTWARE, SUVIDHA SOFTWARE and SUGAM SOFTWARE for smooth conduct of election process.

National Voters Day will be observed on January 25, 2017 on the theme “Empowering Young and Future Voters” to disseminate election process.