80-plus complaints, re-poll in seven polling stations
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: March 08, 2022 -

IN-SPITE of the decision of the Manipur Chief Electoral Officer to order re-poll in at-least seven polling stations of five assembly constituencies, it is certain that political parties, candidates and public alike would wish that the election watchdog thoroughly examines all the complaints of alleged electoral malpractices during the second phase of elections to the Manipur Legislative Assembly held on Saturday.

As there are widespread allegations that political workers as well as members of armed outfits barred entry of voters and inner agents of rival candidates or laid siege in the polling booth to freely press the button of selected candidates, those demanding revision of the election process would obviously be disheartened over apparent undermining of their grievances.

The complaints of electoral malpractices are not confined to constituencies in the hills but also at numerous polling stations in the valley.

As had been reported, at-least four irregularities had been raised from Wangkhem, nine in Wangjing-Tentha and one in Khangabok assembly constituencies in the plains while in the hills there are claims from different quarters that the voting process was not satisfactory in six polling stations under Ukhrul, 52 in Chandel and four in Tamei constituencies.

Considering the huge number of complaints it is but natural that posers would be raised over the wisdom of the CEO to facilitate the electors choose their representatives afresh in only six polling stations.

Office of the CEO may have its own reason to ignore all the other contentions whereas the complainants would wish that their grievances are accorded importance for finality of the CEO's decision would mean nailing their fate for the next five years.

In view of the complaints ranging from members of proscribed outfits barricading the voters' access and political workers of certain candidates dictating terms inside the polling booths, it is but natural to question integrity and sincerity of the polling personnel, the presiding officers in particular, as they were the ones directly overseeing the polling process and possibly witnesses to the irregularities, if any.

For instance, even if disruptive elements managed to threaten and bar the voters from exercising their franchise, the presiding officers could have shouldered the responsibility of ensuring that no proxy votes were cast.

That conduct of the presiding officers was not on expected lines as could be comprehended from the NPF candidate and agent in Ukhrul assembly constituency lodging complaint to the ECI for pulling up the polling officials.

Interestingly, commonality of the complaints related to the second phase election is that the aggrieved parties are associated with different political organisations.

Compared to the first phase election when the Congress party was the chief complainant, allegations of malpractices in the second phase are being levelled by BJP, NPF, NPP and INC candidates, thereby indicating the scale and intensity of unwanted elements interfering in the democratic exercise.

It is obvious that without a substantial reason, no political party would want repetition of the election process.

Among other remedial measures to uphold sanctity of the democratic exercise, the election monitoring authorities may cross check the number of votes polled, examine authenticity of the thumb impressions or signatures recorded by the polling officials and scan webcast recordings, which the CEO frequently stated would help ensure free and fair conduct of the polls.