The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken decisive action in response to reports of violence during the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur. On Saturday, the ECI ordered repolling in 11 booths of the Inner Manipur seat, following incidents of violence that marred the electoral process on the previous day.Fresh voting rescheduledAccording to an order issued by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur, fresh voting will take place on Monday at the specified booths from 7 AM to 5 PM. The ECI directive declared the polling conducted on April 19, 2024, in these 11 stations as void, scheduling the repolling for April 22, 2024.#LokSabhaElections2024 | Manipur: Fresh polls on 11 polling stations of I-Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency to be held on 22nd April, Monday. pic.twitter.com/E92d4f9lAk— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2024Locations identified for repollingThe repolling will be conducted in 11 booths across the Inner Manipur Constituency. These booths include Sajeb (A), Khurai Thongam Leikai, Bamon Kampu (North-A), Bamon Kampu (North-B), Bamon Kampu (South West), Bamon Kampu (South East), Khongman Zone-V (A), Irioshemba, Iroishemba Mamang Leikai, Iroishemba Mayai Lekai, and Khaidem Makha.Ethnic tensions in ManipurManipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities, since May of the previous year. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with over 200 casualties reported. Despite efforts, a resolution to the conflict remains elusive, casting a shadow over the electoral process in the state.In contrast to the Inner Manipur seat, the Outer Manipur constituency participated in the first phase of voting on April 19 and will also vote in the second phase on April 26. The electoral process in Manipur continues amidst the backdrop of ethnic tensions, highlighting the challenges faced in ensuring a free and fair democratic process in the region.
