Imphal, February 06: Preparation for the first phase of polling scheduled on February 8 is almost complete, said Chief Electoral Officer RR Rashmi.

Speaking to reporters today evening at DIPR office, the CEO informed that for the first phase polling to be held in three districts, 77 candidates are in the fray.

To conduct the elections, 96 teams have left for different polling stations in Ukhrul district today.

Another 51 teams have also set off for polling stations in Senapati district.

As for Thoubal district, all the teams will start proceeding tomorrow, added Rashmi.

In addition to keeping vigil against infiltration of anti-social elements from neighbouring States, prohibitory orders have been clamped in sensitive areas by relevant officers, the CEO informed.

With the lapse of electioneering period today at 3.30 pm, State Police have been instructed to check whether any political party is still engaging in poll campaign, Rashmi said.

Concerning identification cards/papers of voters, all identification papers issued by Revenue authority would be made valid in response to the requests of many candidates towards this effect.

Moreover, all the members of a family would be allowed to vote if any member of the family holding valid identity card can verify his/her family members, the CEO said.

However, the member with the identity card should furnish his/her signature but stamp signature would not be entertained, he mentioned.

To a query regarding the reported restriction imposed by UNC in some hill districts on poll campaign by candidates other than those sponsored by UNC, the CEO informed that FIRs have registered in Police Stations concerned against those hindering election process.