No re-poll announced for 6 polling stations in Tengnoupal where EVMs were allegedly destroyed
IT News
Imphal, March 7:
Chief Election Officer of Manipur has announced re-poll in 6 polling stations where voting process was marred by violence in 4 assembly constituencies in the Phase 2 election held on March 5. A notification by the CEO Manipur said that re-polls will be held on March 8 (Tuesday) are Ukhrul (E-2) in Ukhrul constituency, Kalhang and Peh (B) in Chingai constituency, Ngamju, Yang Khullen and Mao Marafii in Karong and Tadubi ACs respectively.
However, the CEO did not mention about 6 polling stations in Tengnoupal Assembly constituency where EVM are allegedly destroyed. According to NPF Tengnoupal Unit EVMs were destroyed by the people at 42/4 M. Rimping , 42/13 Saibol , 42/16 Machi (A), 42/18 Konaitong 42/42 Rilram Center and 42/43 Kambang polling stations of Tengnoupal Assembly constituency.
The decision for re-poll in two districts of Ukhrul and Senapati was taken following reports of violence on the day of polling on Saturday, where 22 assembly constituencies voted in Phase 2 of the election across 1,247 polling stations.
The re-poll will start at 7 am and conclude by 4 pm tomorrow.
“I am directed to refer to Commission’s Letter No.495/MR-LA/2022-NES-II dated 7th March, 2022 on the above subject and to inform that the Commission has, under sub-section (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, declared that the poll taken on 5th March, 2022 (Saturday) at the following total 6 polling stations to be void and appointed 8th March, 2022 (Tuesday) as the date for taking repoll/fresh poll at the said polling stations with hours of poll from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, in accordance with the Commission’s instructions contained in Chapter-XIII of the Hand Book for Returning Officers, 2019,” said the order issued by Ramananda Nongmeikapam, joint chief electoral officer, Manipur.
He further requested to take necessary actions as per above ECI directions. Wide publicity of the program of re-poll/fresh poll will be given in polling areas concerned and political parties and contesting candidate be informed in writing, he added.
Meanwhile, in a meeting with media persons today, President of the NPF Tengnoupal Unit, Kh. Leirung said that if the CEO fail to announce re-poll or to exclude counting of the 6 ballot boxes of the 6 polling stations in Tengnoupal Assembly constituency where EVM are allegedly destroyed, the NPF will launch various agitations including Blockade.
