Phase-1 of the Manipur state assembly election started at 6 am and concluded at 6 pm on Monday, with 88.6% of voters showing up to exercise their right to franchise. The voting was held for 38 constituencies spread across five districts, namely Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Kangpokpi. A total of 60 assembly seats exist in the state.
The Numbers
According to Manipur’s chief electoral officer, Rajesh Agarwal, 12,09,439 total voters showed up to cast their votes. It included 5,80,607 male, 6,28,657 female and 175 transgender voters across 1,721 polling stations across the state. Anyone diagnosed with COVID- 19 or currently under quarantine was allowed to vote during the final hour.
Out of 1,721 polling stations, women personnel managed 381. In addition, specially-abled entirely looked over one polling station in the Saikot constituency.
Key Candidates
Here is a list of significant candidates whose fates are on the line in these assembly elections:
- Chief Minister N Biren Singh from Heingang
- Deputy CM Yumnam Joykumar Singh from Uripok
- Speaker Y Khemchand Singh from Singjamei
- State Congress chief N Lokesh Singh from Nambol
Interesting events
According to Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Agarwal, in a “Suspected Case of Accidental Firing” from his service rifle, a Manipur police personnel on poll duty was reported to be killed.
A case of poll disruption also took place. “An incident of poll disruption has been reported in Keithelmanbi. This has led to a delay in the polling process. The EVM machine has been broken, and we’re examining whether to continue polls here today or go for a repoll.” ANI quoted Agarwal as saying. He said that the Election Commission (EC) is still deciding whether or not to continue the elections on account of the broken EVM machine.
In Singhat, a clash broke out between the BJP and Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) workers. However, it was pacified, and the polling resumed shortly.
On Twitter, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked the voters to come out and vote. “I urge the people of Manipur, especially the youth to vote in large numbers. Your one vote will keep this beautiful state free from insurgency, blockade and corruption. So come out and vote for a prosperous Manipur”, read his tweet.
BJP’s JP Nadda also urged the voters to vote in large numbers. His tweet read, “Today, the first phase of Manipur Assembly Elections are being conducted on 38 seats. Your one vote will decide the future of your state and nation. Urging all to come out in large numbers and vote.”
For the rest of the 22 seats, voting will take place on March 5, with the result declaration on March 10. The repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and creation of more jobs are the two significant issues with the elections being contested in the state this time around.
