No muscle, money power or cross-border infiltration to be allowed during Manipur polls: ECI
The Hindu
Postal ballot introduced for first time in the State
The Election Commission of India (ECI) promised a zero tolerance approach towards the use of muscle or money power during Manipur’s upcoming Assembly elections, during a review of the State’s poll preparedness held on Wednesday. It also directed that a strict vigil be kept on the international border with Myanmar to ensure no unlawful transit or infiltration.
With the State Assembly’s term due to expire on March 19, elections are scheduled for 60 Assembly constituencies. During the virtual review meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, political party representatives raised “concerns about use of money power, illicit liquor, narcotics drugs and intimidation to influence voters [and] requested a strict vigil on election expenses by candidates”, said an ECI statement issued after the meeting. Expressing fears of pre-poll violence, they demanded deployment of adequate security forces, and also urged that strict COVID-19 protocols be implemented.