ECI orders repolling at 8 Arunachal Pradesh stations
What's the story
The Election Commission of India has ordered a repoll at eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh. This decision follows incidents of electronic voting machine (EVM) damage and reported violence during the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls held on April 19. Consequently, the initial polling at these stations has been declared null and void. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu confirmed this development, announcing a new round of polling scheduled for April 24, from 6:00am to 2:00pm.
After reports of violence
Manipur: Re-polling underway at 11 booths
Meanwhile, re-polling is being held in 11 booths within the I-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency on Monday. This comes after violence was reported from several polling stations in the conflict-hit state during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. According to report, Manipur's chief electoral officer took the decision in response to the reports of gunfire and destruction of EVMs from multiple booths.
Locations and security
Re-polling locations and security measures enhanced
In Manipur, the re-polling is taking place at specific locations including Moirangkampu Sajeb Upper Primary School and S Ibobi Primary School (East Wing) in Khurai assembly constituency, four stations in Kshetrigao, one in Thongju, three in Uripok, and one in Konthoujam. On April 19, violence erupted at a polling station in Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai of Imphal where a civilian was injured due to gunfire. To ensure safety during re-polling, security measures have been significantly enhanced across all polling stations.
Voter turnout
Overall voter turnout in first phase 65.5%
Polling for the first phase of the high-stakes Lok Sabha elections began on Friday. As many as 102 constituencies spread across 21 states went to polls in the initial phase. The subsequent phases will be held on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. According to initial reports, the first phase saw a turnout of approximately 65.5%, a decline from the 70% recorded in 2019.