Campaigning ends for first phase

Election campaigning has officially ended in the three districts of Thoubal, Senapati and Ukhrul, which will be going to polls on February 8 during the first phase of the 9th Manipur Assembly elections. Borders with neighbouring states have been closed to prevent movement of anti-social elements till the end of polling on Friday. State Chief Electoral Officer RR Rashmi said on Tuesday that an adequate number of central paramilitary forces have been brought in to ensure free and fair polling.

Rashmi also said that all campaign workers who do not belong to the assembly constituencies and districts that are going to the polls on Friday have been asked to leave these areas. The basic security cover for a polling station in this election is two sections of paramilitary forces and state police. Police commando personnel have been restricted from duty near polling stations on the day of casting of votes.

The first phase of the election will see a total 77 candidates contesting from 19 constituencies. This includes CM O Ibobi Singh, who will be contesting from both the Thoubal and Khangabok constituencies, power minister Francis Ngajokpa from Tadubi in Senapati, Assembly Speaker Dr Maniruddin Sheikh from Lilong, former DC, Imphal (Eest) Y Surchandra Singh from Kakching and veteran Parliamentarian Rishang Keishing’s son Victor from Phungyar in Ukhrul.