The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that six polling stations in the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency would be re-polled on April 30. The directive came after reports of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems had emerged during the first vote on April 26. The affected polling stations are in Ukhrul and Senapati districts, with four in Ukhrul assembly segment and one each in Chingai and Karong.
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“The Election Commission of India, under Sections 58(2) and 58A(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, has determined that the poll conducted on April 26, 2024 (Friday) in respect of six polling stations are mentioned in the table below of Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency (ST) is declared invalid and appointed 30 April 2024 (Tuesday) as the date for holding fresh elections at the said polling stations with polling hours from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM” , an official statement said, as quoted by PTI.
What happened on Election Day?
On the day of voting, several stations reported damage to the EVMs and VVPATs before the voting process could be completed. One station experienced EVM disruptions, while another station was repeatedly interrupted due to harassment by unidentified individuals.
As a result, the voting data from these polling stations has been annulled, necessitating a new poll to ensure that all voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots, the report said.
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The decision comes amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the region, which have occasionally erupted into violence. Recently, a clash involving gunfire and improvised mortars took place between two rival community groups in Koutruk Village, Imphal West district, underscoring the volatile situation.
The re-elections aim to restore the integrity of the electoral process in these troubled areas and uphold the democratic rights of voters, despite the challenges posed by the current atmosphere.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Published: Apr 28, 2024 10:47am IST