IMPHAL, Jan 27 � Manipur will go to the first-ever single phase Assembly polls tomorrow where 1.7 million voters will decide the fate of 279 candidates.
�All arrangement have been made and we hope for successful polling,� said Chief Electoral Officer PC Lawmkunga. A total of 11,825 polling personnel will be engaged for the polls.
So far, eight persons including two security personnel have lost their lives and 38 others injured in poll violence, he added. A total cash amount of Rs 1.80 crore, small arms, huge quantity of liquor, 3.8 kg heroin, 4,360 Spasmo proxivon tablets have been seized in the run up to the polls.
Two helicopters have been stationed at Imphal and Leimakhong for emergency purposes, he said. For the first time, the State authority will be webcasting the polling activities of 60 polling booths mostly in the valley.
Besides, the State has deployed 350 companies of Central para military forces for the polls while the 25,000 State police force will be engaged in maintaining law and order. �We have also requested the Assam Government and the Army to assist in area domination,� the official added.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh-led ruling Congress has fielded 60 candidates. On the other hand, regional Manipur People�s Party and Nationalist Congress Party-led five party alliance People�s Democratic Front is dreaming of installing a non-Congress government.
The new entrant in Manipur politics All India Trinamool Congress with its 47 candidates in fray is looking forward to bring back smiles in every Manipuri if voted to power this time.
Chief Minister Ibobi, former Chief Minister Radhabinod, former Dy Chief Minister Dr L Patsoi, O Joy Singh, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President Gaikhangam, Ph Parijat, Minister Y Irabot and Chief Minister�s nephew O Henry are among the important candidates seeking election.
