Polling underway for second and final phase of assembly elections in Manipur

Polling is underway for second and final phase of assembly elections in Manipur. An average 11.40 percent polling was recorded till 9 am. The voting, which began at 7 this morning, will end at 4 pm.

Voting is taking place for 22 constituencies spread over 10 districts in this phase. These districts are Thoubal, Kakching, Tamenglong, Noney, Jiribam, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul, Kamjong and Senapati. Ninety two candidates including two women are in the fray in this phase. BJP has fielded 22 candidates, while Congress is contesting 18 seats. NPP and NPF have fielded ten candidaters each.

The total number of eligible electors for this phase is 8,38,730 including 4,10,020 male, 4,28,679 female and 31 third gender voters. In all, 1,247 Polling Stations have been set up in the concerned constituencies for their convenience.

Earlier, during the First Phase of Manipur Assembly Elections, a record voter turnout of 88.63 per cent was registered in 38 Assembly Constituencies which went to polls on last Monday.

The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is being used along with Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at every Polling Station, with a view to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election process, as VVPAT allows the voter to verify his or her vote.

The arrangements have already been made to ensure the availability of adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the smooth conduct of elections.

In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and rising cases of Omicron variant across the country, Election Commission has laid focus on COVID-safe elections with maximum participation. It is going to ensure the safety of vote and voters as both are equally and critically important in democracy.

The Election Commission has decided to allow maximum 1,250 electors in a Polling Station instead of earlier stipulation of 1,500 electors. Accordingly, there is a major change in the number of Polling Stations in the poll-bound states of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

Option of Postal Ballot facility has been extended to the electors who are COVID-19 positive or suspect as certified by competent authority and are in-home or institutional quarantine along with those marked as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and above the age of 80 years.

As per the Election Commission instructions, the concerned Chief Electoral Officers are ensuring that every Polling Station is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, waiting shed, toilet with water facility, adequate arrangements for lighting, ramp of appropriate gradient for the Persons with Disabilities.

The special facilities include mandatory sanitization of Polling Station, thermal checking of voters at entry point either by polling staff or paramedical staff or an Asha worker. At the last hour of poll, such electors will be facilitated for voting, strictly following COVID-19 related preventive measures.

In view of the pandemic, the Commission has decided to extend the poll timing by one hour in all Assembly Constituencies. The COVID-19 patients, who are quarantined, will be allowed to cast their vote at the last hour of the poll day at their respective Polling Stations, under the supervision of health authorities, strictly following COVID-19 related preventive measures. Proper mechanism of collection and disposal of waste or used gloves will be put in place at each Polling Station.