New elections began calmly and orderly for 11 polling stations in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency on Monday. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced these new elections after declaring the previous ones, held on April 19, 2024, at these 11 stations, null due to irregularities. Starting at 7 am, the fresh polls are set to run until 5 pm.
A total of 8,493 people, including 3,990 males, 4,497 females, and six transgender voters, have the right to vote across these 11 polling stations. These stations belong to five Assembly Constituencies and are situated in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
SP Imphal West Ksh Shivakanta assured the media that polling is proceeding peacefully. “Central paramilitary forces of 2/2 companies are stationed at all polling stations,” he explained. “In addition, state police presence is significant. Each station has one gazetted officer and an inspector overseeing it. Furthermore, 10 unarmed polling personnel are assigned to each station. CRPF, MPV, and other senior officers are supervising security.”
Shivakanta expressed confidence in the peaceful conduct of the repoll and urged everyone to exercise their voting rights.
Polling takes place at various locations, including Sajeb (A) and Khurai Thongam Leikai under Khurai AC; Bamon Kampu (North-A), Bamon Kampu (North-B), Bamon Kampu (South West), and Bamon Kampu (South East) under Kshetrigao AC; Khongman Zone-V(A) under Khongman AC; Iroishemba, Iroishemba Mamang Leikai, and Iroishemba Mayai Leikai under Uripok AC; and Khaidem Makha under Konthoujam AC.
Stringent security measures are in place to ensure peace and order during polling. Voters are encouraged to actively participate in the fresh polls to select their representative for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.
No unwanted incidents have been reported thus far. The first phase of polling, conducted on Friday across various locations in the valley area for the 18th Lok Sabha Election, 2024 in the 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, faced issues like mass booth capturing and destruction of EVM and VVPAT machines.
The decision for a repoll was issued on Saturday under Sections 58(2) and 58A(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 by chief electoral officer, Manipur Pradeep Kumar Jha. The ECI has urged voters of the said polling stations to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes.
