1. Despite special arrangements by the Central Government, many IDPs in Manipur show reluctance to vote.
2. Manipur gears up for the 18th Lok Sabha Election, featuring 10 candidates for two MP seats.
3. Voter apathy persists among IDPs in Manipur, despite efforts to ensure their participation.
Imphal, April 02: Many internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur are expressing reluctance to participate in the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha Election, despite special arrangements made by the Central Government to ensure their voting rights.
The state of Manipur, like the rest of India, is preparing for the 18th Lok Sabha Election, with 10 candidates contesting for two Member of Parliament (MP) seats allocated to the state.
However, despite the efforts of concerned authorities, there appears to be low enthusiasm for the electoral process among the affected population.
Some individuals have denounced the election preparations, viewing them as a condemnation of conducting elections before resolving the crisis.
However, others view the upcoming election as an opportunity to bring about positive change in Manipur by electing the right candidates.
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The conflict in Manipur has resulted in the displacement of over 58,000 people, who are currently residing in more than 300 relief camps across the state.
While the situation in Manipur has improved somewhat, many displaced individuals continue to live in relief camps. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the voting rights of IDPs, allowing them to cast their votes at the relief camps themselves.
Despite these efforts, many displaced persons have expressed a lack of interest in participating in the election, citing a loss of faith in the government.
Thoiba, a former private school teacher from Kangpokpi, highlighted the longing of displaced individuals to return to their homes and voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of the election in addressing their needs.
Similarly, Indira from Serou expressed disillusionment with the government’s handling of the crisis, stating that she has lost faith in the democratic process. Although she possesses a voter ID, she is reluctant to cast her vote due to her despair.
Franchis Keisham, a displaced person from Churachandpur district, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the challenges faced by displaced individuals and expressing hope that the incoming government will address their concerns.
Despite the reluctance of some displaced persons, efforts are underway to ensure their participation in the electoral process.
However, the exact number of displaced voters remains uncertain, as the process of registering voters in relief camps is still ongoing.
The upcoming election will be held in two phases, with a total of 2,955 polling stations, including 94 special polling stations, and 1,058 critical and vulnerable polling stations across Manipur.
Candidates from various parties are contesting for both the Inner and Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituencies, offering voters a choice in shaping the state’s future.
