Imphal, February 21, 2010: After more than 20 years, the Draft Electoral Roll for conducting election to the six Autonomous District Councils in Manipur is finally set to be published on March 2.The upcoming election to the six District Councils is likely to be conducted in two phases.

With State Election Commission taking up necessary measures for conducting the election within April 30 in accordance to a decision of the State Cabinet, the number of polling stations to be set up for the election too has been finalised.

After the publication of the draft Electoral Roll on March 2, the final Electoral Roll is to be published on March 27. The election to the six Autonomous District Councils of Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Senapati and Kangpokpi is to be held for electing 144 representatives while the Government would nominate two representatives from each District Council.

Despite great efforts made, consecutive State Governments in the past have failed to conduct the election to the District Councils for over 20 years now.

As the election of the District Councils has not been conducted, the Finance Commission has also stopped releasing fund meant for the development of hill districts.

However, with stage ready for the election, campaigning has already picked up in the hill districts though the election schedule is yet to be announced formally.

According to information received by the press, the up-coming election to the six District Councils is likely to be conducted in two phases.

The two-phase election has been proposed in view of the large number of security personnel that would be required in ensuring smooth conduct of the election.

As part of the preparations being made for the election, Principal Secretary (TD and Hills) LP Golmei would chair a joint meeting with DCs and the SDOs concerned at the conference hall of Old Secretariat on February 23. The meeting would discuss issues related to manner of conducting the election, the fund that would be required as well as on the Electoral Roll, the source disclosed, adding that after the said meeting, a clear picture is likely to be emerged.

Although the State Election Commission has already proposed with a tentative estimate of the fund that would be required in conducting the election proposed to the Government, the fund, however, is yet to be released.

It may be recalled here that on February 18, Chief Secretary chaired a meeting and discussed the issues pertaining to the conduct of the election.

Before announcement of the election schedule, prior approval of the State Cabinet is also required.

Campaigning for the election, however, has already picked up momentum in the hill districts.

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