Campaigning for Lok Sabha polls in Manipur comes to a close

Imphal: The campaigning for the Lok Sabha Elections in Manipur, spanning the two parliamentary constituencies - Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur (reserved for scheduled tribes), concluded on Wednesday at 4 PM.

The electoral landscape sets the stage for the first phase of polls slated for April 19, encompassing 47 Assembly Constituencies. Manipur, with a total of 60 assembly seats, holds significance in the upcoming electoral dynamics.

The Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat comprises 32 assembly segments, while the Outer LS seat encompasses 28 assembly seats.

Notably, 15 constituencies affiliated with the Outer Manipur PC will partake in the initial polls on April 19, with the remaining 13 constituencies joining the electoral fray on April 26.

The first phase will witness polling at 1404 designated stations, including 85 established for those seeking refuge in relief camps.

A total of 20,29,023 eligible voters, comprising 9,80,855 males, 10,47,929 females, and 239 transgender individuals, are poised to exercise their franchise across 2955 polling stations within the two Parliamentary Constituencies.

The electoral arena features ten candidates vying for victory, with four contenders contesting for the Outer Manipur PC and six for the Inner Manipur PC.

In the Outer seat, the primary rivalry emerges between candidates representing the Indian National Congress, Alfred K Arthur, and the Naga People's Front contender, Timothy Zimic.

Meanwhile, the Inner seat presents a multifaceted contest, with main contenders hailing from the INC, BJP, and RPI (A). Notably, the three remaining independents in the Inner seat lack significant electoral presence.