Imphal, September 23: Amidst tight security measures, counting of votes for Panchayat elections has begun since this morning at the district headquarters of the valley districts.

The counting will continue till tomorrow.

At the time of filing this report, counting of votes for Gram Panchayat members have been completed for Imphal East district.

In a rare case, the fate of four candidates were decided by toss.

Thokchom Bhanu and Memi contesting for 5/13/8 Kontha Khabam Achanbigei Part III GP member got 188 votes each.

With the consent of the two candidates, the RO decided the tie by toss which was won by Bhanu.

The tie between Sagolsem Memton and Itocha contesting for 16/24/4 Yambem Makha Leikai Part I GP member was also decided by toss which went in favour of Memton.

As for Imphal West district, counting is being done Zilla Parishad wise.

So far, counting for GP Member, Pradhans and Zilla Parishad members for Potshangbam and Yarou Bamdiar Zilla Parishad segments have been completed.

For Imphal West district and Imphal East district, counting will continue till 7 tonight.

As there is little progress in counting of votes for Thoubal and Bishnupur districts being done in just two counting halls each, the Deputy Commissioners have appealed to the Election Commission to allow counting both day and night.

It is reported that the Election Commission has accepted the proposal.

So far there is no case of any untoward incident during the counting.

Counting is also in progress in the office of Jiribam ADC.

So far 48 GP members and 3 Pradhans have been declared elected, reports our Jiri correspondent.

Comment