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Manipur blockade to not hamper poll process

Elections in Manipur
About
  • Manipur is set to go to polls in March with first phase being held on March 4.
  • Out of a total of 60-seats, 38 constituencies go to polls in the first-phase.
  • In the last assembly elections in 2012, Congress had won 42 seats.
  • Remaining were held by All India Trinamool Congress (7), Naga People's Front (4) and Manipur State Congress (5) and others.

  • Which parties are vying for power?
    Key players
  • For the last 15 years, Congress has been in power in Manipur and is confident of coming back to power for the fourth time.
  • The BJP intends to go it alone in the upcoming elections and is confident of taking on Naga People's Front.
  • For the first time, new party 'People's Resurgence and Justice Alliance' founded by activist Irom Sharmila will contest elections.

  • AFSPA and Irom Sharmila
    FACT
    Sharmila was on hunger strike for 16 years demanding repeal of 'Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act' that gave them unbridled powers to use force against locals. Given lack of government response, Sharmila recently broke her fast. She is contesting elections to continue her fight.

    What are parties promising?
    Details
  • Congress's promises focus around development and repeal of 'Armed Forces Special Powers Act' (AFSPA) if elected.
  • BJP has committed to corruption free governance if voted to power.
  • Irom Sharmila, and her party PRJA, the newest entrant in Manipuri politics is promising governance as "clean as a whistle". PRJA has promised development, political reform and is conducting an independent campaign financed by crowd-funding.

  • Can Irom Sharmila be the game-changer?
    Public response
  • Sharmila's PRJA, is running a crowd-funded campaign intended towards "ending muscle and money power as part of fight against corruption."
  • Sharmila is taking her message of corruption-free Manipur to far-flung areas which haven't seen any development.
  • Her message of violence-free Manipur resonates with women. Many believe she can be a great leader but many political opponents are wary and have discouraged her from contesting.

  • First Muslim woman candidate
    FACT
    Najima Bibi, a Muslim woman candidate is contesting elections for the first time in Manipur. She is a PRJA candidate and has been actively involved in economic independence programmes for women. A fatwa has been issued but she isn't deterred.

    Manipur blockade to not hamper poll process
    22 Feb 2017
  • Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) assured political parties that Manipur elections will be free, fair and unaffected by ongoing economic blockade.
  • Yesterday, political parties in Manipur had met the Election Commission requesting additional security and forces to ensure people could vote peacefully.
  • For the last 3 months, there's an ongoing economic blockade in Manipur called by 'United Naga Council' to protest bifurcation of state districts.



  • This post first appeared on NewsBytes: Latest News, Breaking News India, Today News, Current News, please read the originial post: here

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