All are set for polling in outer Manipur parliamentary constituency (ST reserved) on Thursday in the first of two-phased polls in Manipur. The polling will be started from 7 am till 4 pm.
Also read: Constituency Watch: Multi-cornered contest on cards in Outer Manipur LS seat
A total of 10,10,618 voters will cast their votes at 1562 polling stations located across 28 Assembly constituencies under 12 districts of the State.
The first phase polling in Manipur which is scheduled to elect an MP representing the hills and some portion of valley will decide electoral fate of eight contesting candidates from different parties including the coalition partners of the ruling government in the state.
The candidates for outer constituency are H Shokhopao alias Benjamin Mate of Bharatiya Janata Party, K James of Indian National Congress, Thangminlien Kipgen of National People’s Party, Ashang Kashar of North East India Development Party,Dr Lorho S Pfoze of Naga People’s Front, Hangkhanpau of Janata Dal (U), Angam K Kom of Nationalist Congress Party and Independent Laikham Kaipu.
For the smooth conduct of the poll, the poll personnel for 344 polling stations located at remote places have already despatched from April 8 onwards. Now most of them have reached their destination by travelling not less than 2-3 days by using various forms of transportation including boat rides. This time the authority will provide transportation for 4370 persons with disabilities for their participation in the voting, according to Joint chief electoral officer N Ramananda.
He said altogether 90 companies of central para-military forces will be deployed to conduct the free and fair polling in the first phase. Besides a helicopter has been kept stand by for emergency services.
It may be mentioned that the Congress party candidate won the outer Manipur Lok sabha seat in 2014 polls.
The polling for the inner Manipur parliamentary constituency will be held in second phase on April 18 to decide the fate of 11 contesting candidates.