Voting begins in 1st phase of Manipur polls

Polling began for the first phase in 38 Manipur constituencies for the 11th state legislative assembly on Saturday morning amid tight security, a poll official said.

The constituencies are spread across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Phezerol districts.

There are 168 candidates in the fray for the first phase, which includes six women.

There are 5,44,050 male and 5,75,220 female voters for the first phase polling. Besides 5169 male and 1915 female service voters are expected to cast votes.

There are 1,643 polling stations.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded candidates to all the 38 constituencies while the ruling Congress has fielded one less.

The election is seen as a major test for the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government in the state which has been in power for the last 15 years.

--IANS

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