Manipur set for Lok Sabha polls: Over 20 lakh voters to exercise franchise in two phases

IMPHAL: In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Manipur, a total of 20,28,784 electors are slated to vote, with 15,44,652 voters expected to cast their ballots in the first phase of polling on Friday (April 19) across 47 assembly segments of Manipur.

The remaining 4,84,132 voters will exercise their franchise in the second phase of Lok Sabha polling on April 26, covering 13 assembly constituencies of Manipur.

On Friday (April 19), voters are slated to cast their votes from 7 am to 4 pm in 2107 polling stations across Manipur.

Officials in Manipur have prepared a total of 2955 polling stations, with 1058 stations identified as sensitive.

Manipur comprises 60 assembly seats, with 32 segments forming the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency and the remaining 28 segments reserved for scheduled tribes making up the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat.

Alongside the 32 assembly segments, 15 assembly segments of the Outer Manipur LS seat will vote in the first phase on April 19.

Also read: Manipur: United Kuki National Army claims responsibility for attack on NH-37

Additionally, arrangements have been made for 85 special polling stations for internally displaced persons.

The Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency has 9,89,887 electors, while the Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency has 10,36,736 electors.

Electronic voting machines (EVMs) and VVPATs will be used in the elections, with 5176 ballot units, 6584 control units and 5321 VVPAT machines deployed.

A total of 387 sector officers have been appointed to oversee the election process.

In the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, six candidates are contesting, including Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from the Congress, Th Basantakumar from the BJP, Maheshwar Thounaojam from RPI (Athawale), and independent candidates RK Somendro alias Kaiku, retired Col H Sarat, and Moirangthem Totomsana Nongshaba.

The Outer Manipur Lok Sabha will witness a four-sided contest among Alfred Kanngam Arthur from the Congress, Kachui Timothy Zimik from NPF, and independent candidates S Kho John and Alyson Abonmai.