Lok Sabha Election 2024: Manipur to conduct repolling at 11 stations after reports of gunfire and EVM destruction

Manipur is set to hold repolling at 11 voting stations in the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency on Monday after reports of violence and electoral malpractices during the initial voting phase emerged.

Manipur’s chief electoral officer on Saturday announced repolling after the Election Commission of India (EC) issued a directive declaring the polls held on April 19 as null and void and scheduled fresh polling.

The affected polling stations are Moirangkampu Sajeb and Thongam Leikai in the Khurai constituency, four in Kshetrigao and one in Thongju in Imphal East district and three in Uripok and one in Konthoujam in Imphal West district, the official said.

There were incidents of firing, voter intimidation, and destruction of electronic voting machines. One civilian was reportedly injured after the firing, and clashes were reported at a polling booth in Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai of Imphal, Manipur, during voting in the Lok Sabha elections.

There were also allegations of booth capturing, notably in a region that saw a voter turnout of 72% across the two Lok Sabha constituencies of Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur, reported Mint.
Earlier in the day, the Congress had demanded repoll in 47 polling stations alleging that booths were captured and elections were rigged.

Manipur Congress president K Meghachandra said the party had lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer demanding repoll in 36 polling stations in the Inner Manipur constituency and 11 in the Outer Manipur constituency.

Manipur has also been grappling with ethnic violence since May of the previous year.