Northeast Desk, 20th April: Following reports of violence and disruptions during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in Manipur’s Inner Parliamentary Constituency, the Chief Electoral Officer in Manipur has called for fresh voting in six polling stations.
The Joint Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, Ramananda Nongmeikapam, has formally communicated this request to the Secretary of the Election Commission of India.
The decision to order a fresh poll stems from the turbulent turn of events that unfolded on April 19 during the General Election in the 1-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency. The Returning Officer for the constituency detailed the circumstances under which the polling process was vitiated at multiple locations.
Reports indicate severe disturbances at several polling stations, including Moirangkampu Sajeb Upper Primary School (3/11), Khongman Zone (5/31), and Iroisemba Upper Primary School. The chaos erupted due to mob violence, overpowering security personnel and resulting in the destruction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Control Units (CUs), Ballot Units (BUs), and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines.
At Khaidem Makha (18/22), a group of unidentified individuals forcefully cast approximately 61 votes, leading to widespread violence and the halting of the polling process.
In response to these alarming developments, the matter has been reported under sub-section (1) of section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The Election Commission of India has been urged to provide further directions in accordance with sub-section (2) of the aforementioned section.
The call for fresh voting underscores the commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Manipur, ensuring that every citizen’s right to vote is safeguarded.