ECI Ensures Voting for Displaced Manipur Residents Amid Ethnic Violence

As ethnic violence continues to disrupt lives in Manipur, resulting in the displacement of numerous individuals and claiming over 200 lives, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a proactive step to ensure that those affected by the turmoil can exercise their voting rights during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Amidst the ongoing ethnic unrest, which has led to the displacement of a significant number of people, special polling stations will be established at relief camps to facilitate voting for the internally displaced residents of Manipur. According to records, more than 50,000 individuals have been forced to seek refuge in relief centres across various districts, both in the valley and hill areas, since the outbreak of violence on May 3 last year.

In a statement issued by the state Chief Electoral Officer, it was affirmed that despite being displaced from their native places due to the conflict, the affected individuals remain enrolled on the electoral rolls of their respective assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Manipur. The ECI, in consultation with the central and state governments, has directed that these displaced persons will retain their electoral status and will be provided with the opportunity to cast their votes at special polling stations set up within the relief camps.

Emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and ensuring that every eligible voter can participate in the democratic process, the ECI will deploy separate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for each parliamentary constituency at the designated special polling stations. Moreover, all regulations and guidelines governing the conduct of elections at traditional polling stations will be strictly enforced at these special polling stations established in the relief camps.

The process of counting votes cast at these special polling stations will be meticulously supervised by designated assistant returning officers (AROs) at dedicated counting centres. These counting centres, sanctioned by the Commission in advance, will ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, thereby upholding the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.

By implementing these measures, the ECI aims to uphold the fundamental right to vote for all citizens, including those who have been displaced by the unfortunate circumstances prevailing in Manipur. This initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring the active participation of every eligible voter in the democratic process, regardless of their current living conditions.