India has announced plans to rerun voting at 11 polling stations in the northeastern state of Manipur.
This decision comes in response to reports of violence and damage to voting machines in a region marred by months of ethnic clashes.
According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur Rajiv Kumar, the election authorities have deemed the voting void at the 11 locations and have ordered a fresh poll.
The statement was issued late on Saturday, following a tumultuous day of voting on Friday, which marked the commencement of the electoral process involving nearly one billion citizens in the world’s most populous country. The election is set to run through June 1.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to secure a rare third term, has campaigned on key issues such as economic growth, social welfare, and Hindu nationalism.
However, amidst the electoral fervour, the main opposition Congress party has raised concerns, demanding a rerun at 47 polling stations in Manipur, alleging incidents of booth capturing and electoral malpractices.
Friday witnessed sporadic instances of violence across the state, including clashes among armed groups and attempts to seize control of polling stations despite heavy security presence.
Nevertheless, voter turnout remained significant, underscoring the resilience of the electorate despite the looming threat of violence that has claimed the lives of at least 220 individuals in the past year alone.
Manipur has been plagued by unrest stemming from clashes between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki-Zo people since May.
The state remains divided, with the Meitei-dominated valley and the Kuki-influenced hills separated by a buffer zone monitored by federal paramilitary forces.
Chioma Kalu
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