Imphal, Jan. 4: Being the first state to have cent percent voter ID cards along with Uttarakhand, Manipur will be the first state to use Smartphone based recording system in all the 2,794 polling stations across 2,219 locations in the state the upcoming phase-2 assembly election scheduled to be held on March 4 and 8 next.
Disclosing this to the media following the Election Commission of India’s announcement of poll schedule for Manipur along with Goa,Punjab,Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manipur Vivek Kumar Dewangan said, “Voters can watch the live streaming of polling using 3G connectivity.”
“Around 1,200 polling stations out of total (2,794) stations will be covered on real time recording,” CEO Dewangan said. “State power department (MSPDCL) is providing electricity connection to all polling stations except for 108 where alternative power supply will be provided.”
For the first time the upcoming election will also have photographs of candidates in EVMs. All candidates have to submit new affidavit with ‘No Demand Certificate’ failing which candidates may be disqualified.
Besides 11,915 outstation service voters will be using electronic postal ballot system for the first time in the history of Manipur election, the CEO added. Similarly Returning officers shall be provided Voters’ Assistance Booth to advice and guide the voters on polling day.
Interestingly 250-300 companies of Central Para-military Forces will be deployed to ensure free and fair election in Manipur, the officer said. The 38 assembly constituencies covered in the first phase poll on March 4 include, Khundrakpam,Heingang,Khurai,Kshetrigao,Thongju,Keirao,Andro,Lamlai, Wangkhei in Imphal East district,Thangmeiband,Uripok,Sagolband,Keishamthong,Singjamei,Yaiskul, Sekmai, Lamshang, Konthoujam, Patsoi, Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal in Imphal West district, Nambol, Oinam, Bishnupur, Moirang, Thanga, Kumbi in Bishnupur district, Saikul, Kangpokpi, Saitu, Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat in Churachandpur district.
The 22 constituencies covered in second phase poll on March 8 are Lilong, Thoubal, Wangkhem, Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabagai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo in Thoubal district, Jiribam in Imphal East distruct, Chandel and Tengnoupal in Chandel district, Phungyar, Ukhrul and Chingai in Ukhrul district, Karong, Tadubi and Mao in Senapati district, Tamei, Tamenglong and Nungba in Tamenglong district.
Stating that election notification for 1st phase will be issued on February 7 and its nomination and withdrawal of candidature will be held on February 14 and 16 respectively with its scrutiny of nominations on March 16, he said similarly the notification for 2nd phase will be issued on February 9 and its nomination and withdrawal of candidature will be held on February 18 and 20 respectively with its scrutiny of nominations on March 17.
“All intending candidates,political parties, the state and union governments etc are, therefore, advised to comply strictly with the Model code of conduct with immediate effect till the election process is completed,” he added. “Strict action will be taken against the concerned officials (if any) as the model code of conduct also applies to the ongoing recruitment process in the state.”
All the political parties are also asked to remove defacement from private property by 12 noon of January 7, 2017 while all political functionaries have to surrender government vehicle allotted to them by 12 noon of January 5.
Besides introducing three software applications –Sanadhan,Suvidha and Sugam for smooth conduct of the polls, the ECI has prohibited use of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am. Polling parties at remote areas will be airlifted through choppers provided by Ministry of Defence. Air ambulance will be used for emergency. All the polling stations will have ramp for differently abled voters and senior citizens.
