During the announcement of the General Election schedule on March 16, it was observed that the total number of constituencies listed amounted to 544, one more than the usual 543 Lok Sabha seats. This discrepancy was clarified by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, attributing it to the unique circumstances in the Outer Manipur constituency.
While elections for 543 Lok Sabha constituencies will take place in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, Outer Manipur constituency will be the exception, conducting voting on two separate days. This decision was made in response to recent ethnic tensions in the northeastern State.
Inner Manipur is slated to vote on April 19, while Outer Manipur will hold elections on both April 19 and April 26.
The districts of Churachandpur and Chandel will participate in the phase 1 polling, areas that have experienced clashes between Kukis and Meiteis.
On April 19, polling will occur for the 15 Assembly segments under Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency, including Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabok, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Chandel (ST), Saikul (ST), Kangpokpi, Saitu (ST), Henglep (ST), Churachandpur (ST), Saikot (ST), and Singhat (ST).
The remaining 13 Assembly segments will cast their votes on April 26, comprising Jiribam, Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST), Nungba (ST), Tipaimukh (ST), and Thanlon (ST).
The Election Commission has introduced a scheme to facilitate internally displaced voters to cast their ballots from their current relief camp residences. This initiative, akin to the one available for Jammu and Kashmir IDPs, aims to ensure electoral participation for those affected by recent conflicts in Manipur.
