Campaigning ends for first phase LS polls
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 17 2024:
Campaigning for the 1st phase election to the 18th Lok Sabha scheduled to take place on April 19 ended at 4pm Wednesday.
A total of 47 assembly segments in the state, include 32 falling under Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency and 15 assembly segments under Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, will go to the polls in the 1st phase.
The 32 assembly segments under Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency are Khundrakpam, Heingang, Khurai, Kshetrigao, Thongju, Keirao, Andro, Lamlai, Thangmeiband, Uripok, Sagolband, Keishamthong, Singjamei, Yaiskul, Wangkhei, Sekmai, Lamsang, Konthoujam, Patsoi, Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal, Nambol, Oinam, Bishnupur, Moirang, Thanga, Kumbi, Lilong, Thoubal and Wangkhem.
On the same day, 15 assembly segments falling under Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency will also go to the polls.
The AC include Heirok, Wangjing-Tentha, Khangabok, Wabagai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnu, Chandel, Saikul, Kangpokpi, Saitu, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat.
All six candidates in the fray for the Inner Manipur seat conducted their last election meetings before the end of campaigning period.
The candidates are Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of INC, Th Basanta Kumar of BJP, Maheshwar Thounaojam of RPI (Athawale), independent candidates RK Somendro and Haorungbam Sarat Singh, and Moirangthem Totomsana Nongshaba of RJSP.
All four candidates contesting for the Outer Manipur seat, namely, Alfred K Arthur of INC, K Timothy Zimik of NPF and independent candidates Alyson Abonmai and Kho John also conducted campaign till the last hour.
Meanwhile, polling personnel for four polling stations out of 15 under Henglep assembly constituency in Churachandpur district have been flagged off by DEO Dharun Kumar.
Two polling teams for Sanglei, Khan-pi, Songkong and Phaibong polling stations of Henglep AC were airlifted by an IAF helicopter along with EVMs while security personnel and polling personnel for the polling stations headed for their destinations by road.
Officials for 21 polling stations under Henglep AC and 15 polling stations of Singhat AC will be flagged off on Thursday.
Polling officials and security personnel for polling stations in assembly segments under Kangpokpi district which will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19 have also been despatched from Brig Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi on Wednesday.
Notably, a total of 20,28,784 electors of Manipur will exercise their franchise in two phases.
They include 9,80,855 males, 10,47,929 female voters, 14,152 differently-abled, 239 transgender electors and 22,491 electors above 85 years of age.
A total of 2,955 polling stations across the state have been prepared for the 18th Lok Sabha election.
Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency has a total of 9,89,887 electors which include 4,73,531 male, 5,16,150 female and 206 transgender and a total of 1319 polling stations have been prepared for voting on April 19.Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency has a total of 10,36,736 electors which include 5,06,147 male, 5,30,556 female and 33 transgender voters.
A total of 1636 polling stations for the constituency have been prepared for voting on April 19 and 26.Electronic voting machines (EVMs) and VVPATs will be utilised in the 18th Lok Sabha election and a total of 5176 ballot units, 6584 control and 5321 VVPAT machines will be used.
A total of 387 sector officers have been appointed for the election while 1058 polling stations have been identified as sensitive.
To ensure free and fair polls, a total of 200 companies of central paramilitary forces will be utilised.