Observers satisfied with arrangements: Joint CEO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 12 2022: While informing that a total of 173 candidates remain in the fray for the first phase election to the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly scheduled on February 28, joint chief electoral officer (Manipur) Md S Daulat Khan said that of the contestants, 15 are women candidates in assembly constituencies of Imphal West (six), Imphal East (two), Bishnupur (three), Kangpokpi (three) and Churachandpur (one) districts.

Briefing the media on Saturday, the Joint CEO said that the remaining candidates include 18 independents.

He also said a total of 96 candidates filed nominations for the second phase election on March 5 and their candidature would be finalised after the scrutiny process on February 14 or withdrawal, if any, by February 16.Daulat Khan said that a meeting of Chief Electoral Officer with special as well as all the general, police and expenditure observers was held at the CEO's Office on Friday to review poll preparedness during which the observers shared that they have visited some of the polling stations and the commissioning halls, strong rooms and counting halls and held meetings with district election officers and returning officers.

The observers expressed satisfaction at the overall preparedness and minor bottlenecks, if any, brought to the notice of the concerned for necessary amendment.

Regarding Postal Ballots, the joint CEO said 13,274 Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballots (ETPBs) have been transmitted on Saturday to the respective record offices for service electors for the first phase.

For the second phase, 8667 ETPBs will be transmitted to respective record offices on February 17, he said adding that a total of 6024 electors have opted for Postal Ballots in the categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), 80-plus and those from essential services for the first phase while 2687 electors have applied for the same for the second phase.

A total of 195 polling teams have also been constituted for both phases, for receiving the postal ballots cast, the Daulat Khan maintained.

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