|
Manipur elections : 70 to 85 per cent voting in 1st phase |
 |
The first phase of elections in Manipur on Feb. 8 passed off peacefully, barring minor incidents of violence.
Biting cold and unusual winter rain greeted the electorate in Manipur’s three districts that went to the polls. But this did not deter the 5.99 lakh voters from donning colourful jackets or sporting bright umbrellas as they queued up in front of polling booths.
The franchise sealed their decision on whether they want Okram Ibobi Singh back as Chief Minister for the next five years, or whether regional parties should be given a chance. More importantly, the votes will be a decisive factor for the United Naga Council’s campaign for “integration” of Naga-inhabited areas.
Ibobi Singh and his wife Landhoni Devi braved the elements to cast their votes. He emerged from the heavily-fortified Athokpam Makha Primary School booth in Khangabok constituency with a faint smile and said, “We are going to win at least eight of the 10 seats in Thoubal district.”
“An average of 85 per cent votes were cast in the first phase of polling in the 19 Assembly constituencies of Thoubal, Senapati and Ukhrul districts”, said Manipur’s Chief Electoral Officer R.R. Rashmi on Friday, Feb. 9.
The highest percentage, ranging from 85 to 90, was recorded in Senapati district.
Polling was disrupted in five polling stations in Senapati district following clashes between workers of rival candidates.
Malfunctioning of electronic voting machines halted polling at two booths in Thoubal district. Not a single voter turned up at Rengui polling station in Chingai Assembly constituency.
There were allegations that supporters of an Independent candidate captured more than 20 booths in Tadubi Assembly constituency of Naga-dominated Senapati district, forcing the Congress candidate, Francis Ngajokpa, to lodge a complaint with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.
The Chief Electoral Officer has asked the district election officer to submit a report on the matter.
|
