Ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday assessed the polls preparations with all stakeholders, including with top officials and representatives of political parties from Manipur.
The EC has raised concern over low vaccinations and asked the Chief Secretary to expediting the same.
During the review meeting, the Commission emphasised focus on the conduct of safe elections with 100 per cent vaccination of all polling staff, proper sanitisation and social distancing at the polling stations.
After virtual meeting with all stakeholders amid the Omicron scare, the EC has decided to reduce the maximum number of electors’ norm at a polling station from 1,500 to 1,250. In the meeting, the main issues raised by the political parties, included concerns about use of money power, illicit liquor, narcotics drugs and intimidation to influence voters.
The political parties also raised concerns about implementation of strict Covid protocols for safety of everybody. The EC team has already visited Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and Uttarakhand to assess the covid situation and poll prepardenss ahead of the assembly polls in five states.
“Political parties requested for strict vigilon election expenses by candidates to ensure free and fair poll. While expressing concerns about pre-poll violence, the political parties demanded deployment of adequate security forces during the poll process and other relevant measures,” the Commission said in a statement.
Representatives of political parties namely All India Trinamool Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Naga People’s Front (NPF), National People’s Party, Peoples Democratic Alliance came to meet the Commission through video conferencing.
The Commission highlighted that for the first time in the State, the option of a Postal Ballot facility would be provided during the elections for Absentee Voters which includes 80+ Sr citizens, PwD electors and Covid19 suspects or affected persons. The postal ballot facility is an optional facility and ensures total secrecy of voting. Representatives of candidates will be present during the process and the total procedure will be videographed. The poll body said 14, 565 Persons with Disabilities and over 41,867 senior citizens (80+) have been mapped in the state.
The Commission assured the representatives that it has taken cognizance of suggestions, issues and concerns of the political parties. With regard to the concerns raised on excessive use of money and other inducements to influence voters, the Commission reiterated that it has zero tolerance for misuse of money or muscle power or partisan behaviour of State machinery vitiating free and fair elections.
The term of State Assembly in Manipur is due to expire on March 19, 2022 and elections are scheduled for 60 ACs (40 general seats; one reserved for scheduled caste and 19 reserved for scheduled tribe ) in the State.
The Commission directed identification of communication shadow polling stations for alternative arrangements. While reviewing the law-and-order issues, the Commission directed that deposition of licensed arms in the state should be expedited. It was directed to ensure that distribution of liquor, drugs, freebies and cash is effectively checked and the electoral process is not vitiated with unlawful activities.