Imphal, April 26: Barring few cases of electronic voting machine being snatched and exchange of gun fire between security personnel and suspected underground cadres in some places, the second phase polling in the Inner Manipur Parliamentary elections concluded smoothly today in contrast to the Outer seat election held on April 20.Against the total number of 91 polling stations ordered for re-poll in the Outer seat election only four polling centres have been listed for re-polling as per latest information provided by the election authorities till late evening.

According to a statement from the State Election Department, four polling stations within the Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituency have listed for re-poll on April 28.They are 28/2 and 29/11 polling stations at Bishnupur and two in Imphal West (final reports awaited).

Election authority had ordered repoll in 64 polling stations for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency in Tamenglong district on April 30 while eight polling stations in Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district and 13 in Bangai range of Churachandpur district would go for a repoll on May 5.In addition to State police manning 911 polling stations, Assam Rifles personnel covered the polling stations which the AR authorities described as 'environmental security' especially at Sekmai area where voter turnout hovered at around 45 to 50 percent till 4 pm.

Despite the threats by underground outfits and boycott call by social as well as voluntary organizations the overall voting figure reached a healthy 50 to 55 percent in the State, according to official sources.

Thoubal district recorded a high of 60 percent followed by Imphal West at 50, Bishnupur 47 and Imphal East 35 percent.

As commercial establishments closed down shutters following prohibition on election related activities including franchise on poll day today, the electorates could be seen loitering near the polling centres located in Greater Imphal areas where most agents of contesting candidates were significantly absent.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V Chibber describing the election as 'successful' said "The relatively high turnout reflects the firm commitment and desire of the electorates to secure their Constitutional rights to exercise their franchise".

He also lauded the efforts of poll personnel and security personnel deputed for election duties for executing their assignments diligently.

While the voting figure was low initially in the opening hours the momentum picked up as poll hours neared its end in most polling stations.

Poll processes were stalled in some pockets of Imphal and Bishnupur districts where well armed unidentified persons snatched poll materials prompting election authorities to replace the materials for continuation of polling.

Compared to Imphal West's dismal 35 percent Thoubal district registered a high of 53 percent two hours before end of poll process, as per information provided by State authorities.

Mention may be made that the fates of six candidates have been sealed in today's election.

The candidates in fray for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary seat are Thounaojam Chaoba Singh of the BJP, Moirangthem Nara (CPI), Thokchom Meinya (Congress), Leishangthem Chandramani (Federal Patty of Manipur) and two independent candidates Nongmaithem Iboyaima and N Homendro.

Notable absentees of some polling agents of some candidates were reported from Khundrakpam, Heingang, Khurai, Kshetrigao, Thongju, Keirao, Andro, Lamlai, Yaiskul and Wangkhei in the two Imphal districts.

As candidates' agents were absent, presiding officers had to activate the EVMs to begin the process and seal the same with the arrival of the last voter as witness.

Due to absence of polling agents, electorates had to flip through the electoral rolls to find their names even as reports of proxy votes have been reported in some polling stations.

At the two Huikap Junior High School polling stations located within Andro Assembly Constituency, voters were initially reluctant to cast their votes following a bomb blast near Andro playground during polling hours.

However the voters turned up at these centres in late afternoon.

No one has been reported injured in the blast.

Reports have been received that security personnel insisted on checking indelible mark charging those without the mark as sympathizers of underground outfits who had imposed the ban on election process.

Some voters who pleaded to polling officials not to put the mark had to face intense inquiry of security personnel designated at specific locations.