Preparation complete for second phase Lok Sabha election today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 25 2024: As the state would go to the polls in the second phase of general elections to the 18th Lok Sabha, chief electoral officer (CEO), Manipur has laid out extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process.

Scheduled for Friday, the polling will cover 13 assembly segments under Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary Constituency spread across Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Jiribam, Pherzawl and Tengnoupal districts.

With a total of 4,84,949 voters including 2,39,140 male, 2,45,807 female and two transgender eligible to exercise their franchise, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned to facilitate hassle-free voting experience.

Altogether 848 polling stations have been set up, with special emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.

Notably, 202 polling stations will be solely managed by women personnel, while One polling station will cater exclusively to Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

Moreover, 22 model polling stations have been aesthetically designed to enhance the voting ambiance.

Nine special polling stations have been established for the Internally Displaced Voters, four each in Ukhrul and Tengnoupal districts and one in Jiribam district, to ensure participation of 529 IDP voters in the electoral process.

Interestingly, one special polling station has been set up for only one voter in Tengnoupal district.

Additionally, arrangements have been made for Pick up/Drop facilities for PwD and elderly electors, including wheelchair assistance.

A total of 2747 PwD electors and 454 centenarian voters will exercise their franchise.

Two volunteers have been engaged in each polling station for assisting voters and Voter Assistance Booths have been set up in all polling stations.

ASHA workers have been identified for every polling station to provide immediate health care service for the voters.

In addition, Anganwadi workers have been engaged to facilitate the pregnant and lactating mothers to vote with ease.

First Aid kits have been provided for all polling stations.

Arrangements for webcasting/videography have been made for these polling stations, and 87 companies of CAPF deployed in addition to 4000 state armed personnel in the polling stations while micro observers have been deployed in all critical and special polling stations.

As done in the first phase, the movement of EVMs would be tracked with the help of e-Traccar App, which is embedded in the mobile phones of polling personnel and sector officers.

Besides, a polling official will be able to report any sort of EVM malfunctioning or any untoward incident happening in the polling station.

Poll Star App will also be used for timely reporting of voter turnout and other vital information by the polling officials.

Control Rooms have been set up at every district headquarters and at the office of CEO.

Voters are required to produce their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) for identification.

However, alternative identity documents such as Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, passbooks with photograph issued by bank/post office, health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of ministry of labour, driving license, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian passport, pension document with photograph, service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/state government/PSUs/public limited companies, official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card by ministry of social justice & empowerment are accepted for those unable to produce EPIC, ensuring inclusivity in the voting process.

Strict restrictions are imposed within the premises of polling stations to maintain sanctity of the electoral process.

Campaigning, canvassing, and the use of loudspeakers within designated limits are strictly prohibited with candidates reminded of the legal boundaries regarding campaign booths and conduct.

Providing free conveyance to voters to and from the polling stations by a candidate/his agent is a corrupt practice and strictly forbidden, said the CEO in a statement.

The CEO also urged all voters to come out in large numbers and participate actively and responsibly in shaping the future of the nation.

In Tamenglong district, 332 polling officials assigned duty at 31 polling stations in Tamei assembly constituency and 52 in Tamenglong AC were dispersed on Thursday from the multi-purpose hall of Mini Secretariat, DC Complex, Tamenglong district.

On the final day of dispersion, women polling personnel for 36 pink polling stations in the two ACs were also dispatched.

When interviewed, women polling personnel expressed enthusiasm over the conduct 18th Lok Sabha Election, 2024 and thanked the district administration, election nodal officer and master trainer for training them comprehensively in handling the EVMs and VVPATs.

Meanwhile, amid tight security, polling parties for 41 polling stations were on Thursday dispatched from the DC, Complex, Chingdong Leikai, Jiribam.

Election in the district for the Manipur Outer Lok Sabha seat will take place on Friday.

Prior to departure of the polling parties, heavily guarded strong rooms located at DC, Office were opened from 8.45 am for dispersal of EVMs and VVPATs in the presence of DEO, SP, ARO, nodal officers and representatives of contesting candidates/political parties.

Interestingly, polling stations number 40/16 and 40/17 located at Babukhal and Boroikhal are only accessible by waterways.

While flagging off the polling parties, DEO Krishna Kumar instructed the polling teams to be vigilant and coordinate with each other.

He also wished the teams for a peaceful and successful election.

It may also be mentioned that there are 15 critical and 13 vulnerable polling stations in 40-Jiribam segment.

Five companies of CAPF have been requisitioned and deployed along with the deployment of armed and civil police of Manipur Police.

200 personnel, including reserve personnel from various departments, are being engaged as polling staff for the polling day.

Voting will be held from 7 am to 4 pm in the 41 polling stations.

On the other-hand, polling personnel and security personnel assigned duties in Tengnoupal district have reached their respective polling stations for smooth conduct of the 2nd phase 18th Lok Sabha elections on Friday.

Polling personnel for 40 polling stations under Tengnoupal assembly constituency in periphery areas and Indo-Myanmar borders were dispersed on Wednesday with the remaining flagged off Thursday from Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School ground, Chandel district headquarters by Tengnoupal district election officer Krishna Kumar in the presence of Chandel deputy commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar, SP Rahul Gupta arid other officials.

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