IT News
Imphal, Mar 17:
In response to recent ethnic violence in the northeastern state, the Election Commission has made a significant decision regarding the elections in the Outer Manipur constituency. While elections for most constituencies occur on a single day, Outer Manipur will conduct its polls over two separate days.
The Election Commission’s announcement on March 16 unveiled the schedule for the General Election, with 544 constituencies listed instead of the usual 543 Lok Sabha seats. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar clarified that this discrepancy arose due to the unique circumstances surrounding the Outer Manipur constituency.
The General Election, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will see Inner Manipur casting its votes on April 19, while Outer Manipur will hold elections on both April 19 and April 26.
The districts of Churachandpur and Chandel, which experienced violent clashes between Kukis and Meiteis, will be part of the phase 1 polling on April 19.
Polling on April 19 will cover 15 Assembly segments within the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, including Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnu, Chandel (ST), Saikul (ST), Kangpokpi, Saitu (ST), Henglep (ST), Churachandpur (ST), Saikot (ST), and Singhat (ST).
The remaining 13 Assembly segments will go to polls on April 26, encompassing Jiribam, Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST), Nungba (ST), Tipaimukh (ST), and Thanlon (ST).
In an effort to facilitate voting for internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Election Commission has devised a scheme allowing them to vote from their current relief camp locations. This scheme, already in place for IDPs in Jammu and Kashmir, will now be implemented in Manipur as well, as confirmed by Rajiv Kumar during the announcement of the election schedule.