IMPHAL: Under stringent security measures, fresh polling commenced today in 11 polling stations within the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.
The polling, which began at 7 am, is scheduled to continue until 5 pm.
As per emerging reports, the voting is progressing smoothly, with no untoward incidents reported thus far.
Approximately 38% of eligible voters have exercised their franchise by 11 am.
This fresh round of polling was necessitated by the Election Commission following a series of concerning incidents during the initial phase of polling on April 19.
Instances of firing, intimidation, destruction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and allegations of booth capturing prompted the Election Commission to order a re-poll in 11 polling stations.
Earlier on April 20, the Election Commission declared the Lok Sabha elections held at these 11 polling stations as void and announced the fresh polling.
The affected stations comprise seven in Imphal East district and four in Imphal West district.
Around 8,500 voters are eligible to cast their votes in the affected polling stations, which include Moirangkampu Sajeb and Thongam Leikai in the Khurai constituency, two each in Bamon Kampu and Irilbung in the Kshetrigao constituency, Khongman Zone V in Thongju, three in Iroishemba area in Uripok constituency, and Khaidem Makha in Konthoujam constituency.
State officials revealed that at least six of the affected stations witnessed untoward incidents.
The Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat witnessed polling along with 15 of the 28 Assembly segments of the Outer Manipur (ST) parliamentary constituency on Friday.
Despite heightened tensions and sporadic violence, Manipur recorded a 68% voter turnout, marking the lowest in the state’s electoral history.
One notable incident involved the damaging of an EVM, reportedly by a group accusing an armed faction of engaging in proxy voting on behalf of approximately 100 individuals.
The Election Commission and security forces remain vigilant to ensure a peaceful and transparent polling process, highlighting the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral system.
