Imphal, February 15: The Democratic People�s Party, DPP thanked the press for highlighting the atrocious manner in which electoral malpractices were committed yesterday during the first phase of the election to the 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly, but however regretted the manner of some candidates.

In a press release the party condemned the manner in which a Member of Parliament reportedly kicked a ballot box.

It also condemned the way another candidate, �self-styled journalist� and candidate of the Thongju constituency, Bijoy Koijam ransacked polling booths under escort of security guards.

The DPP release reiterated it is interested in ushering in a new Manipur, and urged upon all to ensure peaceful repolls tomorrow.

The Speaker, Dr S Dhananjoy, condemning the spate of election violence in Thongju Assembly constituency yesterday, also said faith in democracy has been totally betrayed in the constituency and gun culture has been brought in.

it may be recalled that, a total of seven poling stations of Thongju constituency were captured by the supporters and workers of some candidates during polling yesterday.

Repelling in those polling stations has been ordered tomorrow by the Election Commission of India.

Speaking at a press meet today, Dr S Dhananjoy, who is standing for re-election from the constituency on a NCP candidate, singled out his rival candidate Bijoy Koijam, photojournalist and MSCP�s candidate as being behind several of the booth capturing incidents.

He forcibly tried to secure a win in the elections by using various kinds of malpractices in violation of the election code of conduct, he said.

Meanwhile the Thongju constituency Congress (I) candidate S Mangi Singh also expressed his disgust at the manner anti-social elements indulged in booth capturing yesterday.