IMPHAL, : As the day for the counting of votes approaches all political parties and candidates have started preparing for counting of votes.
The Congress party has negated the exit poll results, while the BJP has welcomed the results.
Congress President Gaikhangam said exit polls can’t be relied upon as seen in the past . BJP leaders were, however, relying on the results.
The election office has completed all arrangements for the counting of votes in 34 halls. The counting will start around 0800 hours but and postal ballot and Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) will be counted first hence election trend will start coming a little late. Election Observers will be ready by 0500 .
Election Observer and Returning Officers will be monitoring the counting process. The passage from the strong room to the counting halls will be video recorded and the counting process will be displayed in TV monitors .
Security personnel were deployed round the clock around all counting centres and prohibitory orders were clamped. Arms and ammunitions, sharp weapons, inflammable items like matches and intoxicants, mobile phones will not be allowed inside the counting centres . Parking areas for officials, media, candidates were earmarked and there will be traffic diversions tomorrow as all roads leading to the counting centres will be sealed and only authorised vehicles will be allowed to enter the premises.
Manipur went to polls on April 11 and April 18. The Inner Manipur PC seat was contested by eleven candidates, Oinam Nabakishore Singh of INC , Moirangthem Nara Singh of CPI , Dr. Rajamukar Ranjan Singh of BJP , R.K. Anand of NEIDP , Oinam Jugindro Singh of MPP , Dr. G. Tonsana Sharma of MDPF , Senjam Nandeshwore Singh of RJSP and four Independents, Md. Iliyash Khan, M. Totomsana Nongshaba, Rajkumar Somendro Singh (Kaiku), Wahengbam Pabitra Singh. The Outer Manipur seat was contested by eight candidates viz, NCP’s Angam Karung Kom, INC’s K James, NPP’s Thangminlien Kipgen, NPF’s Lorho S Pfoze, BJP’s Houlim Shokhopao Mate , NEIDP’s Ashang Kasar, JD-U’s Hangkhanpau Taithul and Independent candidate Leikhan Kaipu .
Both seats are now occupied by Congress and both sitting MPs have not contested this time.
UNI.
