Imphal, Jan 08: The Election Commission of India announced poll dates for 60 seats of the Manipur assembly 2022 on Saturday. The poll body followed its 2017 move to hold the assembly elections in two phases.
However, given the COVID-19 threat, the number of voters per booth has been reduced and increased the polling time by one hour. The commission urged all entities including political parties, candidates, and electors to follow covid guidelines.
No physical procession or rally is allowed till January 15. The commission will review the dynamic situation on January 15 and further orders will be issued.
Manipur Assembly Election 2022 Phase I
Issue of Notification: February 1
Last Date of Nomination: February 8
Scrutiny of Nomination: February 9
Last date of withdrawal of candidature: February 11
Date of polls: February 27
Manipur Assembly Election 2022 Phase II
Issue of Notification: February 4
Last Date of Nomination: February 11
Scrutiny of Nomination: February 14
Last date of withdrawal of candidature: February 16
Date of polls: March 3
Also Read: Election Commission enhances the election expenditure ceiling for candidates
The term of the 60 seats of Manipur assembly is due to expire on March 19. Currently, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is in power in the state which constitutes Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) (29), Naga People’s Front (NPF) (5), National People’s Party (NPP) (3), and IND (1). Apart from NDA, the election will decide the electoral fate of several political parties, including– Trinamool Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the Indian National Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party, and the Peoples Democratic Alliance.
Ballot Voting
For the first time, the Election Commission will provide an option of postal for absentee voters in Manipur, including those above 80 years of age, persons with disabilities (PWDs) electors, and Covid-19 patients during the ensuing assembly polls in the state. In a virtual meeting on ECI with political parties, state chief secretary, DGP, police nodal officer, and state Election Commissioner (CEO) to review the poll preparedness on Wednesday, ECI said the postal ballot facility is an optional one and ensures total secrecy of voting. The Commission mapped out 14,565 PWDs and over 41,867 senior citizens (80+) in the state who would be eligible for ballot voting.
