IMPHAL, Aug 29 - Hectic preparations are on for the panchayat elections scheduled for next month to elect new local body representatives in Manipur, including Zila Parishad, Pradhan and ward members.
The polling of the elections will be held on October 7 between 8 am to 4pm.
Altogether 4,031 candidates, including 216 candidates for Zila Parishad, 511 for Pradhans and 3204 for ward members of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Jiribam, Kaching and Thoubal, have filed their nomination papers. The last date for withdrawal of their candidatures has been fixed on August 29, according to the State Election authority.
It may be mentioned here that a total of 7,16,813 voters including 3,48,139 males and 3,68,691 females are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect 60 Zila Parishad members, 161 Pradhans and 1,513 ward members.
The Communist Party of India (CPI), Manipur unit, underscored the need in bringing more transparency in the electoral system. The CPI State Secretary, Dr M Nara said that the Government�s assurance of a free and fair election is not trustworthy. � Correspondent
