IMPHAL, December 26: Following the ECI’s announcement that the 10th Manipur State Legislative Assembly will be held on January 28 in a single phase and the subsequent imposition of the election model code of conduct in the state, the state Chief election Officer, PC Lawmkunga convened an all political party meeting this afternoon at the conference hall of the Manipur State Secretariat, South Block.
The steps taken up by the election commission regarding the monitoring of the 2012 election process receive a mixed response from the various political parties attending the meeting.
The political parties expressed happiness over the inclusion of the new security observer for monitoring the election process, however, some of the political parties further expressed that the action of the ruling MLAs showing the government’s achievements during their campaign even though the Election model code of conduct has already been placed in the state amounts to failure to comply with the code of conduct.
Some of the parties further urged the election commission to look into the pre-poll violence between ministers and MLAs in power who are still provided with security forces and the other intending candidates.
Meanwhile, replying to the political parties, PC Lawmkunga informed that the candidates will be officially registered only after the filling of their nominations and as such complains will be recorded as official only after their nominations are filed.
There will further be no difference between the ruling and other parties before the election commission and added that the commission will take up legal actions against anyone found violating the model code of conduct.
Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples’ Front, Manipur Unit was absent from the all political party meet.
He further said that the state election commission has chalk out a contingency plan regarding the sufficient supply of essential commodities mainly petroleum products to the state, the state commission will further send the plan to the ECI.
He further informed the all political party meet, that the state election commission will start a daily update on all preparation of the election in the state including stock of essential commodities starting December 27.
He further urged upon all sections of the society including the political parties to co-operate with the election commission in all aspects of the preparation of the general election for its successful conduct.