MSCP demands enquiry
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07, 2012:
The Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) has demanded a Magisterial Enquiry into the proceedings of the re-poll held at 54/9 Chakanlong (Tupul) Jr High School polling station on February 4. Speaking to media persons at their Palace Compound office this afternoon, MSCP spokesperson Vivekraj Wangkhem said that the EVM used for voting at the polling station was sealed by the Presiding Officer with due consent of the inner agents at about 3.15 pm after 597 voters have cast their votes.
After the EVM was already sealed, Congress candidate Gaikhangam came to the polling station and forced the voting process to resume by using a new EVM at about 4 pm.
Around 140 votes were cast in the new EVM in favour of the Congress candidate.
However, Gaikhangam was contending that the first EVM developed technical snags and it got blocked by itself.
On account of this, the Presiding Officer, according to rules, used a new EVM and allowed the voters who were standing in queue to cast their votes.
Saying that the process of sealing off the first EVM and using a new one has turned out to be highly controversial with two contradictory stories, one supporting it and challenging the same story, Vivekraj proposed an enquiry by a Magistrate under the Commission of Enquiry Act so as to establish facts and circumstances of the matter.
Reacting to the allegation that MSCP candidate Adim Panmei threatened voters with the help of ZUF cadres not to cast votes in favour of the Congress candidate on the day of re-poll, Vivekraj rejected the same allegation as baseless.
Even as security forces raided the house of MSCP's inner agent of 54/9 polling station this morning, nothing incriminating or objectionable was found, he added.