IMPHAL, Jan 17: To sensitize media persons of the state ahead of the general election, a daylong workshop of media person on “Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) for CEO and Journalists” was held at Manipur Press Club today. The workshop was jointly organized by Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur and All Manipur working Journalists Union (AMWJU).
The workshop was participated by PC Lawmkunga, CEO Manipur, additional secretary SVEEP , A Tombikanta Singh, senior journalist Irengbam Arun, Rupachandra Yumnam and president of All Manipur Working Journalists Union, A Mobi Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Electoral Officer mentioned that the Election Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism implemented by the Election Commission is very effective in the state and revealed that political candidates and workers are very careful in spending money as compared to previous elections. The workshop was attended by around 150 media persons including field reporters and managers of media firms of the state.
The Chief Electoral Officer says that following the strict ECI’s guideline the state have not witnessed the usual mega election campaigns and large meetings. He further reiterates that any candidates who exceed an expenditure of Rs . 8 lacs will be disqualified.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manipur further said that strict monitoring has been continuing for a smooth and peaceful election. He stated that the CEO office has spread eyes and ears through different observers which include general observers ranking of an IAS, IRS and police observer from a rank of DIG numbering to 39 individuals.
Irengbam Arun stated that the norms of the ECI have been properly observed by the CEO and the state has seen an unique system of polls and that this change is groundbreaking, he mentioned that the playing field has been levelled and each aspiring candidate has been given equal opportunity.