Manipur to have two-phase polls on April 19 & 26
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 16 2024:
The Election Commission of India has unveiled the schedule for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in Manipur, with voting to take place in two phases on April 19 and 26 .
In preparation for the electoral process, the election notification will be released on March 20, initiating a timeline that includes the last date for filing nominations on March 27, scrutiny on March 28, and withdrawal of nominations by March 30 for both phases.
The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, with all election-related processes expected to conclude by June 6.Addressing concerns regarding displaced people living in relief camps, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar assured that arrangements would be made to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
Kumar outlined a scheme to enable voters in the relief camps to cast their votes from their respective locations, akin to existing provisions for Jammu and Kashmir migrants.
Under this scheme, voters will be permitted to vote from their camps, maintaining the constituency hierarchy from lower to higher and vice versa.
Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Kumar Jha, addressing a press conference in his office premises, here, on Saturday, outlined the assembly segments slated to cast their votes in each phase.
Khundrakpam, Heingang, Khurai, Khetrigao, Thongju, Keirao, Andro, Lamlai, Thangmeiband, Uripok, Sagolband, Keisamthong, Singjamei, Yaiskul, Wangkhei, Sekmai (SC), Lamsang, Konthoujam, Patsoi, Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal, Nambol, Oinam, Bishenpur, Moirang, Thanga, Kumbi, Lilong, Thoubal, Wangkhem, Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Chandel (ST), Saikul (ST), Kangpokpi, Saitu (ST), Henglep (ST), Churachandpur (ST), Saikot(ST), and Singhat(ST) assembly segments will cast votes in the first phase.
Meanwhile, Jiribam, Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST) and Nungba (ST), Tipaimukh (ST) and Thanlon (ST) assembly segments will cast votes in the second phase.
He said that with the announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission of India, extensive preparations have been outlined to ensure smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur.
With the Model Code of Conduct now in effect across the state, all stakeholders including intending candidates, political parties, and government entities are directed to adhere strictly to its provisions until the completion of the electoral process.
The electoral landscape is further fortified by the publication of the Final Photo Electoral Rolls for all 60 assembly constituencies on January 22, 2024.These rolls reveal a diverse electorate, comprising 9,80,855 male, 10,47,929 female, and 239 transgender electors.
Additionally, provisions have been made to accommodate 14,152 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and 22,491 electors aged 85 and above.
A total of 2,955 polling stations equipped with M-3 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) manufactured by Electronics Corporation of India Ltd.
(ECIL) are poised to facilitate the voting process, he said.
In terms of security and oversight, a robust framework has been established, featuring Flying Squad Teams, Static Surveillance Teams, Video Surveillance Teams, and other specialised units.
These teams, complemented by Central and State Enforcement Agencies, would be tasked with ensuring the integrity of electoral process and preventing any malpractices.
To fortify election administration, comprehensive training programmes have been conducted for District Election Officers, Returning Officers, and Assistant Returning Officers.
These programmes cover a range of topics including nomination procedures, model Code of conduct, and poll day arrangements, ensuring the efficient execution of electoral duties.
Pradeep Kumar Jha further said that special emphasis has been placed on voter awareness and accessibility, with targeted campaigns aimed at marginalised groups such as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and transgender electors.
Various IT applications, including the Know Your Candidate (KYC) App and Suvidha App, have been deployed to streamline processes and enhance voter engagement.
Furthermore, provisions have been made to facilitate voting for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) residing in relief camps.
A dedicated scheme would ensure that IDPs are treated as ordinary residents of their original place of residence, allowing them to vote through designated polling stations at relief camps.
A Special Polling Station will be set up for a cluster of polling stations.
The voting will take place through EVMs only and counting of votes will also take place at the District Headquarters where the relief camps are located and the results will be transmitted to the concerned Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer.
The IDPs are required to submit ID Form to the designated AROs at least 10 days before the date of poll.
Adequate number of forms shall be made available at the offices of DEOs, designated AROs and at the relief camps.
A copy of the scheme is also made available on the websites of Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur and District Election Officers.
With these comprehensive measures in place, the stage is set for the Manipur Lok Sabha elections, promising a democratic exercise characterised by transparency, accessibility, and voter empowerment, he added.
District Election Officers of different districts of the state have also issued notification for their respective districts on Saturday.
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