Imphal: The stage is set for the first phase of the 18th Lok Sabha polls in Manipur where more than 15 lakh voters will decide the fate of six candidates standing in eight constituencies.
Tight security arrangements are in place in all the valley districts including Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, where 162 companies of central paramilitary forces have deployed apart from the state security forces including police personnel.
Speaking to The North East Affairs, Ramananda Nongmeikapam, Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, said a total of 15,44,652 voters including 7,41,849 males, 8,02,557 females and 246 third genders will exercise their franchise in this election.
Besides, the official further noted, there are 289 centenarians, 11,582 PwD (People with disabilities), and 13638 people with 85 plus in the state. Interestingly, there are 12,398 first-time voters and 33,3831 voters in the age between 20 to 29 years in this election, he added.
Ramananda informed that his department has set up a total of 85 special polling stations in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts for internally displaced people who are staying in various relief camps or relative houses or in rented accommodation. The official contended that the department has also appointed designated AROs for every district for those IDPs.
Six hundred and forty-five special polling stations are exclusively managed by women polling personnel, the official said, adding that two polling stations will be again entirely managed by PwD, which is a unique feature of this election.
He continued that a total of 1256 polling stations will have facilities webcasting through which the election control room will be able to monitor what’s happening on the ground and if there’s any issue coming up, they will be able to resolve it instantly.
Ramananda also urged all the voters of eight districts to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise without fail and participate in this ‘festival of democracy.’
A total of six candidates, including state Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh of the BJP and Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of the Congress, is contesting the Inner Manipur seat. Republican Party of India (RPI-Athawale) has nominated Thounaojam Maheshwar, while there are three other Independent candidates including cine superstar Rajkumar Somendro (Kaiku), Moirangthem Totomshana Nongshaba and Haorungbam Sarat Singh.
Voting will commence at 7 am and is likely to continue till 4 pm.
