Amid heightend security arrangements, several hundreds voters came out again in large numbers to cast their votes as fresh poll was being conducted for five seats of the Manipur Legislative Assembly 2022 on Tuesday (March 8). Three tiers of security - CRPF, BSF and Manipur Police personnel are being deployed in the polling station 34/9-Wangjing Hodamba of Wangjing Tentha AC where repoll is held.
(The scene at polling station 54/31 Peh (B) Chingai Assembly constituency, Ukhrul district as repoll gets underway)
As per the ECI order, repoll began at 7 am in seven polling stations across five constituencies in three districts - Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal - on Tuesday. The polling session will close by 4 pm.
(Villagers queing up to cast their votes afresh at Ngamju village at 7.30 am March 8, 2022 | Photo: IFP)
Ukhrul district - repoll in three constituencies
In 44-Ukhrul (ST) and 45-Chingai (ST) constituencies under Ukhrul district, repoll is being held at polling stations - 44/45 Ukhrul (E-2); 45/25-Kakhang; 45/31-Peh (B).
Senapati district - repoll in three constituencies
In 47-Karong (ST), and 49-Tadubi (ST) constituencies under Senapati district, the polling stations where repoll is being held are 47/49-Ngamju; 49/4-Yangkhullen (A) and 49/51- Mao Marafi.
Thoubal district - repoll in one constituency
In Wangjing Tentha assembly constituency under Thoubal district, repoll is being held at polling station 34/9 Wangjing Hodamba.
The CEO Manipur cited damage to EVMs by miscreants as reason for repoll in the seven polling stations. A total of 12 EVMs were damaged by miscreants during the final phase elections held on March 5, the state CEO said.
When asked why repoll was ordered for only seven polling booths, joint CEO Manipur Ramanda Nongmeikapam said, “Some of the EVM data are retrievable. Some VVPATs are intact. Results can be ascertained from VVPAT even if Control Unit are damaged.”
Also Read: Guns and violence in Manipur elections
MLA K Meghachandra. who is the INC candidate of Wangkhem AC under Thoubal district had demanded fresh poll in four polling stations - 32/7; 32/8; 32/9 and 32/10. He alleged mass rigging of votes by armed workers of Wangkhem AC BJP candidate under his supervision inside the four polling stations within the jurisdiction of his home polling, Thoubal Haokha Kiyam.
Repoll in 52/62 Thiulon village under 52-Tamei constituency was also demanded by villagers of Thiulon as they staged protest, alleging that Naga People's Front (NPF) supporters prevented supporters of the National People's Party to cast their votes and restricted entry of some voters at the polling site.
Also Read: Revisiting repoll SOPs
The final phase of the Manipur Assembly elections 2022 was marred with sporadic incidents of poll related violence in which two persons were killed. An average 76.62 voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm.
Counting of votes will be conducted on March 10.
