Assembly election: CEO Manipur holds meet with political parties

Imphal: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur Rajesh Agrawal Saturday held a meeting with the representatives of Recognised National and State political parties functioning in Manipur at the Conference Hall of the CEO, Office Lamphelpat.

CEO, Manipur briefed the representatives of the political parties about the programme of Special Summary Revision with respect to 1^st January, 2022 as the qualifying date wherein the Draft Electoral Rolls will be published on 1^st November 2022.

Rajesh Agrawal urged the representatives to make timely claims and objections from 1^st November, 2021 till 30^th November, 2021 and further informed that the list of claims and objections will be made available on CEO’s website. 

Stating that Special Camps will be held on 13^th, 14^th, 27^th & 28^th November, 2021 where Booth Level Officers will be present at their respective polling stations. He also appealed to all the representatives of political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents and participate in the Special Camps to ensure enrolment of eligible electors.

He also stated that 65 additional polling stations have been approved by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and permission for shifting of 86 polling stations has been granted. Auxiliary Polling stations, if required, will also be considered. He also suggested the advantage of converging multiple polling stations into a suitable location or campus, especially in urban areas. 

Pointing out the unfortunate pre-poll violence that occurred recently in some parts of the state, Rajesh Agrawal said that the ECI is keeping a close eye and concerned administrative authorities have been instructed to take necessary precautions and actions. He appealed to all the stakeholders and political parties to cooperate in maintaining normalcy. 

The CEO also sought support from the political parties to ensure conduct of smooth, free and fair elections in the state. He also mentioned that the officials of the ECI had recently visited the state to monitor the preparedness of the conduct of the upcoming State Assembly Election, 2022.

The representatives expressed views concerning the provision for availing voting facility by the eligible voters staying outside the state.

The programme was also attended by Additional CEO, Manipur, Naorem Praveen Singh, Joint CEO, Manipur, Ramananda Nongmeikapam, Database Administrator (CEO), L. Sujata Devi and Coordinator, Permanent Media Cell & State Nodal Officer for Media, W. Phajatombi and concerned officials.It may be mentioned that the schedule of Special Summary Revision 2022 had already been issued by CEO, Manipur – the Publication of Integrated Draft Electoral Roll is scheduled on 1^st November 2021; Period of filing claims and objections is from 1^st November 2021 to 30^th November, 2021; Special Campaign at all polling station locations are to be held on 13^th & 14^th and 27^th & 28^th November, 2021. The disposal of claims and objections will be done by 20^th December, 2021. The final electoral roll will be published on 5^th January, 2022.