With just 48 hours to go for the second phase of Manipur Parliamentary elections, Additional Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has informed all concerned parties that "the campaign period ends today at 4 pm."
He also informed that as per poll guidelines, "the district administration/police administration shall ensure that all political functionaries/party functionaries who have come from outside the constituency for campaigning and who are not voters of the constituency leave the constituency immediately after the campaign is over as their continued presence may undermine the atmosphere for free and fair poll."
At least 12 candidates including five independent candidates are in fray for the Inner Manipur polls scheduled on April 18.
Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer PK Singh had told media earlier that "to add to the festivity of the elections" the first fifty individuals including those who are physically disabled voters will be given a small gift.
Singh also informed media that counting of votes is scheduled on May 23.
928626 voters including 480751 women voters will cast their votes at 1300 polling stations for the remaining one seat at the second phase of the Parliamentary elections.
-By Phanjoubam Chingkheinganba
