The initial phase of elections scheduled for April 19 in the northeastern state will encompass 47 constituencies, with a subsequent phase slated for April 26, encompassing 13 segments. Manipur, which has grappled with tensions since May of the previous year, will participate in these elections across two phases, as disclosed by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during a press conference held on Saturday.
Following Kumar's announcement, Manipur's Chief Electoral Officer Pradeep Kumar Jha provided further details, specifying that the first phase on April 19 will encompass 47 Assembly segments, while the second phase on April 26 will cover 13 Assembly segments. Jha also highlighted that out of 2,955 polling stations in Manipur, 1,058 have been identified as "vulnerable."
To ensure the smooth conduct of elections, an elaborate system has been implemented, consisting of 197 flying squads, 194 static surveillance teams, 92 video surveillance teams, 60 video viewing teams, and 60 accounting teams, as outlined by Jha. Trained officials have meticulously assessed polling stations to identify vulnerable areas, with a focus on identifying individuals with the potential to disrupt proceedings.
Critical and vulnerable polling stations will be subject to webcasting/videography, alongside the deployment of micro observers and additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Jha emphasized. Moreover, Jha underscored the plight of displaced voters in Manipur, stating that provisions have been made for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to cast their votes at relief camps.
Under this scheme, IDP voters will be recognized as ordinary residents of their original place of residence, entitling them to vote accordingly. Designated Assistant Returning Officers will be appointed for each district to oversee these arrangements, with voting conducted exclusively through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Counting of votes will also occur at district headquarters where relief camps are situated, with results transmitted to the relevant Returning Officer/Assistant Returning Officer.
Addressing concerns regarding law and order in the state affected by riots, Jha noted that a comprehensive review has been conducted by deputy commissioners, Superintendents of Police (SPs), and district magistrates.
