SEC gears up for ADC by-poll
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 14 2016: The State Election Commission (SEC), Manipur has started ground works to conduct bypoll for Wakotphai ADC, Kangpokpi and 5th General Panchayat elections, said Radharani Mutum, Secretary of State Election Commission, Manipur while addressing a press conference organized by DIPR at its complex here today.

She said the State Election Commission is still using the old system of conducting elections by using ballot papers.

Election observers are appointed to ensure that the elections are done smoothly in a free and fair manner.

The State Commission has not yet started appointing Financial Observers.

In spite of the shortage of staff, the Commission is trying its best to stop misuse of money and muscle power.

Except the candidates and officials, no one is allowed near the polling stations, she added.

The Commission was constituted in 1994 in pursuance of section 98 of the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.After its constitution, so far 15 elections were held successfully.

The elections were related to Municipal Councils/ Corporations, Nagar Pancha-yats , Gram Panchayats, Zilla Parishads and Autonomous District Councils.

Elections for Imphal Municipal Corporation were held successfully in June last.

The expenditure related to the IMC elections has not yet been finalized as the concerned ROs have not yet submitted the financial statements.

The next immediate election is for the vacant post of ADC Kangpokpi which fell vacant.

The 4th General Panchayat Elections to Gram Panchayats and Zilla Pari-shads was held in 2012 and the term is for five years.

The next election falls in 2017, hence preparation for it has also started.

The Commission is vested with the superintendence, direction and control of all works related to preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of elections to all local bodies in the State under their respective relevant Acts and Rules.

H Jamuna, Asstt Election Officer and K Biramani, Asstt Election Officer also attended the conference.

The Commission is headed by the State Election Commissioner and assisted by a Secretary, two Assistant Election Officers and other staff.

The Commission is functioning from its office at Pentagon Office Complex, Lamphelpat.

The Law and Legislative Affairs Department is the concerned Administrative department.

The Commission after consultation with the Government fixes the date and time of holding any elections or by-elections.

The Government has to make the staff required for the election available to the Commission.

All the elections were held as per the requirements and rules and procedures laid down by the Commission.

The Commission has no authority to alter the voter list prepared by the Election Commission.

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