Moderate to brisk polling in contest for Outer seat

Imphal, Apr 17 : Manipur Outer Parliamentary constituency went to the polls Thursday with over 63 percent turnout. The overall polling was peaceful except for some few stray incidents reported from certain pockets which included booth capturing, snatching and breaking of electronic voting machines (EVMs) by some elements.

Meanwhile, re-polling is certain for three polling stations as per the chief electoral officer (CEO), Manipur. These are Saitu assembly constituency (a/c), polling station No. 52/48 in Senapati district, Nongsang a/c, polling station No. 44/40 in Ukhrul district and Tamenglong district headquarters, polling station No. 53/9.

Explaining the reasons behind the re-polling, the CEO said booths were captured in Tamenglong headquarters while an EVM was snatched in Senapati district. An EVM was also smashed and broken in Ukhrul district by some elements, the CEO added. Nevertheless, the turn-out is tentatively 63 percent at the moment and could increase any times, the CEO informed adding no final details of the number of voters have been received from Senapati district.

In today’s polling people came out from early morning to vote and despite the summer heat people stayed in queue for hours to cast their votes. An elderly person named Bira, aged 77 years, who came to vote at a polling station in Thoubal district told the media that in spite of the heat he was determined not to lose his voting right and also said that one must not give up his or her voting rights as that would mean not being able to put up their representative to serve the public. Those who have voting rights must not lose it though the weather conditions may be harsh, he added.

However, in some polling stations the poll percentage was low as voters came out late noon. The security personnel took up strong measures to prevent any unwanted incidents during the polls.

Booth capturing was also reported from few polling stations in Chandel district. Sources informed anti-social elements captured booths in certain polling stations Thursday morning and refused voters from practicing their franchise. They instead voted on behalf of the voters, added the source.

Nevertheless, at the time of filing this report, the district wise percentage turn-out of voters till 4:00 p.m., as received from the CEO is as follows; Thoubal with 60 percent, Chandel – 81.47 percent, Ukhrul – 70 percent, Senapati – 80 percent, Tamenglong – 75.51 percent, Churachandpur – 59 percent, Kangpokpi – 85 percent and Jiribam with 52 percent. The CEO however clarified the final details of the turn-out of voters in Senapati district could not be ascertained till the filing of this report.

It may be reminded here the Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency has, as per reports, a total of 9, 09, 332 voters comprising of 4,45,729 males and 4,64,503 females voters. According to reports, there are 1223 polling stations in the Outer Manipur wherein a total of 6115 security personnel were deputed. Reports also have it that 1242 vehicles were used for election duties. Out of 1223 polling stations, as per reports, 334 have been identified as hypersensitive while 734 have been put under the sensitive category.

Meanwhile, nine candidates are in race for the state’s lone Outer Manipur Parliamentary constituency seat at the Lok Sabha. The nine candidates are LB. Sona of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), D. Loli Adanee of the BJP, Jhangso Baite of the Congress, Mani Charanamei of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), Jamkhongam Haokip of the Rashtrya Janata Dal (RJD), Rose Mangshi Haokip of the Lok Janashakti Party (LJP), ValleyRose, Thangkhajin and Lalammoi Paite as Independent candidates.

Our Moreh correspondent adds: A total of 98.5 percent voters cast their votes in the contest for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary seat today.

Security at the polling booths were provided by Manipur Rifles personnel in groups of seven at the polling booths in this border town and adjoining villages. The polling stations were Kwatha, Tribel Training Center