NEW DELHI: India, currently hosting the world’s largest election, will conduct fresh voting at 11 polling stations in the northeastern state of Manipur on Monday.
This decision follows reports of violence and damage to voting machines in a region that has been plagued by months of ethnic clashes.
The chief electoral officer of Manipur announced the nullification of voting at the 11 locations, ordering a new poll to be held. The rerun comes as part of India’s mammoth election process involving nearly one billion voters, set to continue until June 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to secure a rare third term, with campaign themes focusing on growth, welfare, and Hindu nationalism.
The opposition Congress party had pressed for a rerun at 47 polling stations in Manipur, alleging booth capture and electoral malpractice. Despite heavy security, there were isolated incidents of violence on Friday, including clashes among armed groups and attempts to seize polling stations. Nevertheless, voter turnout remained robust, reflecting resilience amid ongoing tensions that have claimed over 220 lives in the past year.
Manipur has been gripped by conflict between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kuki-Zo people since May, creating a division between the Meitei-controlled valley and the Kuki-dominated hills. The region is monitored by federal paramilitary forces, delineating a no-man’s land between the two factions.
