Preparation underway for Lok Sabha elections in Manipur

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Jan. 23 (EMN): Preparations for the upcoming 17th Lok Sabha Elections – 2019 is underway in the state where 19,30,912 voters will exercise their franchise in 2,861 polling stations, which is an increase of 44 polling stations compared to last time, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Singh said.

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of conducting a lucky draw for all participants of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) familiarisation drive here on Wednesday, CEO Manipur PK Singh said that more than 4,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are already placed in the strong room. Stating that the last batch of 1,000 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) will be brought from Banguluru day after tomorrow, he said the existing machines have been checked by over 20 engineers of the Bharat Electronics Ltd. He assured that there is an adequate reserve of EVM.

Singh informed that a detailed video conference with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Sunil Arora of Election Commission of India (ECI) was held yesterday which he had attended along with the Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu, DGP LM Khaute, Security Nodal Officer ADGP L Kailun and representatives of different security agencies.

Informing that the CEC has given strict instruction that the election has to be a top priority and the poll related works to be executed in full swing. Instructions have also been given regarding the posting and transfer of Government Officials to be completed at the earliest by Feb. 28, he added.

He said that for free and fair conduct of election, the ECI has made clear instructions regarding the voting compartment. It will be made of 4mm thick foldable and weather proof corrugated sheet which will be closed from three sides and cameras will be installed for real time or static recordings. He said that the name and number of the polling station, polling date, assembly constituency name and number, parliamentary constituency name will be clearly written on the voting compartment.

Regarding the rumours on poll dates on social media, he said the election dates will be known after the formal announcement by the CEC who is expected to visit the state in a fortnight.

Expressing hope that the District Election Management Plans will be ready by Jan. 31, he said that the identification of poll personnel is underway. Informing that all the tenders are completed, required materials are procured and some others are in the pipeline, he said that everything is expected to be completed by Feb. 15.

Regarding the security arrangements, PK Singh said that 79 companies of paramilitary forces out of which 39 companies from the state and 40 companies from outside the state were used in the last election in 2014. He said that similar level of security arrangement is expected this time and the state police will also be engaged for the election.