Imphal:
A person was killed after security forces opened fire when violence broke out during voting in Manipur's Karong constituency today. Manipur is voting to pick among 92 candidates in 22 constituencies across 10 districts.
Here's you 10-point cheatsheet to this big story:
The voting turnout in the second and final phase of polling was 77.49.
The areas in focus this time include the Thoubal district and the Naga-dominated hills where the ruling BJP faces a stiff challenge.
The districts, on the outer circuit of the state, have long been strongholds of the Naga People's Front (NPF) and the Congress, and have been hotspots of bandhs and blockades.
Avoiding any violence will be the Election Commission's top priority. Elections in Manipur this time are a multi-corner contest with a more assertive BJP going solo and contesting all seats even against its partners in the incumbent government.
Prominent candidates in the second phase include former three-time chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei, both from the Congress.
There are a total of 8.38 lakh voters in this phase in the districts of Thoubal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Jiribam, the officer said.
The BJP has fielded 22 candidates, followed by Congress (18), National People's Party (11), Janata Dal (United) and Naga People's Front (10 each).
Arrangements for webcasting or videography have been made in all polling stations while adequate central forces have been deployed.
The first phase of voting held on February 28 in the other 38 constituencies in six districts saw stray incidents of violence and a re-poll was ordered in 12 voting stations in three districts - Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Imphal East.
The re-polling in these areas where Electronic Voting Machines or EVMs were damaged in attacks will also take place on Saturday, the CEO said.
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