Manipur Polls: Postal Ballots for cadres in designated camps

With only a few days left for the Manipur polls, the Election Commission of India is taking all steps to ensure every eligible voter gets an opportunity to cast their

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With only a few days left for the Manipur polls, the Election Commission of India is taking all steps to ensure every eligible voter gets an opportunity to cast their votes. The Election Commission has allowed postal ballot voting for members of rebel groups that have signed Suspension of Operations with the government.

Under this arrangement altogether 2177 cadres from as many as 23 insurgent groups under Suspension of Operations can avail the postal ballot service from their designated camps. This was informed by joint CEO N Ramananda in a press briefing.

Currently, there are about 23 groups at 14 designated Camps in 3 electorate districts of Manipur namely Churachandpur, Kangpokpi & Chandel. Manipur goes to polls on February 27 and March 3^rd.

However, the fresh Covid wave has made campaigning and canvassing difficult for political parties and candidates. The Election commission of India today extended the ban on election rallies and road shows till January 31 due to the Covid surge. EC had banned all physical rallies, roadshows, and padyatras owing to the surge in Covid-19 cases in parts of the country.

However, certain relaxations will be in place from January 28th for parties contesting in the first phase.

As such, the number of people allowed to take part in door-to-door campaigns has been raised to 10. Meanwhile, upto 500 people can take part in indoor meetings.

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