IMPHAL, Jan 5 - Being the first State to have 100 per cent voters ID cards along with Uttarakhand, Manipur will be the first State to use Smartphone-based recording system in all the 2,794 polling stations in the State in two-phase Assembly election scheduled to be held on March 4 and 8 next.
�Voters can watch the live streaming of polling using 3G connectivity,� said an official of State Election department. �Around 1,200 polling stations out of total 2,794 will be covered on real time recording.�
For the first time the election will also have photographs of candidates in EVMs. All candidates have to submit new affidavit with �No Demand Certificate� failing which candidates may be disqualified.
Besides, 11,915 outstation service voters will be using electronic postal ballot system for the first time in the history of Manipur election, the official added. Returning Officers shall be provided Voters� Assistance Booth to advise and guide the voters on polling day.
Around 250-300 companies of Central Para-military Forces will be deployed to ensure free and fair election in Manipur, the officer said. The 38 Assembly constituencies covered in the first phase poll on March 4 include, Khundrakpam, Heingang, Khurai, Kshetrigao, Thongju, Keirao, Andro, Lamlai, Wangkhei, Thangmeiband, Uripok, Sagolband, Keishamthong, Singjamei, Yaiskul, Sekmai, Lamshang,, Konthouja, Patsoi, Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Wangoi, Mayang Imphal , Nambol, Oinam, Bishnupur, Moirang, Thanga, Kumbi, Saikul, Kangpokpi, Saitu, Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat.
The 22 constituencies covered in second phase poll on March 8 are Lilong, Thoubal, Wangkhem, Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabagai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Jiribam, Chandel and Tengnoupal, Phungyar, Ukhrul and Chingai, Karong, Tadubi, Mao, Tamei, Tamenglong and Nungba.
Stating that election notification for first phase will be issued on February 7, he informed nomination and withdrawal of candidature will be on February 14 and 16 respectively while scrutiny of nominations will be held on March 16. The notification for the second phase will be issued on February 9. The nomination and withdrawal of candidature is slated for February 18 and 20 respectively. Scrutiny of nominations will be on March 17.
Besides introducing three software applications �Sanadhan, Suvidha and Sugam for smooth conduct of the polls, the ECI has prohibited use of loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am. Polling parties at remote areas will be airlifted by choppers provided by Ministry of Defence. Almost all polling stations will have ramp for differently abled voters and senior citizens.
