In a move to address incidents of violence and ensure a fair electoral process, re-polling has been ordered at 11 polling booths in Manipur’s inner Lok Sabha constituency. The decision, announced by Manipur Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), comes after reports of disruptions during the initial polling on April 19, including gunfire and damage to electronic voting machines (EVMs).
The affected polling stations include Moirangkampu Sajeb Upper Primary School and S. Ibobi Primary School (East Wing) in Khurai assembly constituency, four in Kshetrigao, one in Thongju, three in Uripok, and one in Konthoujam. These areas witnessed clashes and disturbances during the first phase of voting.
Security has been significantly heightened to prevent further incidents of violence during the re-polling scheduled for today, April 22. The Election Commission of India, invoking Sections 58(2) and 58A(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, declared the previous polls void and mandated fresh voting at these booths.
The decision to conduct re-polling was made in response to a directive from the Election Commission, reflecting a commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process in Manipur. The CEO’s office issued a statement stating, “The poll taken on April 19 in respect of 11 polling stations… shall be void.”
During the initial polling, incidents of violence erupted in several locations, leading to injuries and damage. One civilian was reported injured due to gunfire, and clashes occurred at a polling booth in Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai of Imphal. The situation prompted swift action from election authorities to ensure a free and fair electoral environment.
The Lok Sabha elections in Manipur have garnered significant attention due to the region’s historical complexities and ongoing conflicts. All 32 assembly segments of the inner Manipur parliamentary constituency and 15 segments of the outer Manipur (ST) parliamentary constituency participated in the initial voting process.
However, the remaining 13 segments of the Outer Manipur constituency will vote in the second phase scheduled for April 26. The overall Lok Sabha elections in India are being conducted in seven phases, with the final phase scheduled for June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4 to determine the composition of the 18th Lok Sabha.
The re-polling in Manipur reflects a commitment to ensuring that every vote counts and that electoral processes are conducted with transparency and integrity despite challenges posed by localized disturbances.
Sources By Agencies