CPI Manipur demands fair poll in upcoming Panchayat election

Our Correspondent
Imphal, August 28 (EMN): The Communist Party of India (CPI) Manipur has demanded free and fair poll in the upcoming Panchayat polls in Manipur next month. The polling of this year’s Panchayat elections will be held on October 7 between 8am to 4pm.
Expressing strong scepticism over the Government’s claim that the upcoming Panchayat elections would be conducted in a free and fair manner without any instances of violence and intimidation,CPI state secretary Dr M Nara demands free and fair polls in Manipur this time. Claiming that the source of corruption is the electoral system, CPI State Secretary Dr M Nara said that the government’s assurance of a free and fair election is not trustworthy.
He said that the claim by the Biren-led BJP Govt that it will eradicate corruption is quite welcome. But people would like to question whether any preparations were made for the implementation of the Lok Ayukta Bill or is it going to stop with the establishment of anti-corruption cell at chief minister’s office, he added.
Meanwhile hectic preparation is on for the 5th General Panchayat elections next month to elect new local body representatives in Manipur including Zilla Parishad, Pradhan and ward members as the term of the present representatives expire on October 23 this year. The polling of this year’s Panchayat elections will be held on October 7 between 8am to 4pm.
So far as many as 4031 candidates including 216 candidates for Zilla Parishad, 511 for Pradhans and 3204 for ward members of six valley districts – Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Jiribam, Kaching and Thoubal, have filed nomination papers and their respective papers were cleared during the scrutiny conducted held on August 26.
The last date for withdrawal of their candidature has been fixed on August 29, according to State Election authority. It may be mentioned that a total of 7,16,813 voters including 3,48,139 males and 3,68,691 females are eligible to excercise their franchise to elect 60 Zilla Parishad members, 161 Pradhans and 1,513 ward members.
Thoubal has the maximum number candidates(26) files nomination for ZP this time while Waikhong has the least(8) while Sawombung has maximum candidates for Pradhans(55) while Bishnupur the least(15).
Earlier the Tribal Committee under 18 Hilghat Zilla Parishad had urged to the government to give reservation seat for scheduled tribe (ST) for the 18-Hilghat Zilla Parishad for the coming Manipur Panchayati Raj Election, 2017. According to the committee’s advisor, Tahemang Panmei, the seat reservation for the ST was altered to general (women) according to a notification by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department dated July 26, 2017.