IMPHAL: Bowing to intense pressure from the Christian community, the Election Commission (EC) on Thursday rescheduled the date of voting for the two-phased Manipur assembly polls to February 28 (Monday) and March 5 (Saturday).
Earlier, the EC had fixed February 27 and March 3 as polling dates.
Since February 27 falls on a Sunday, a prayer day of the Christians, the All Manipur Christian Organization (AMCO), hordes of tribal civil bodies, NPF and the opposition Congress had urged the EC to reschedule the date to another day.
“We are so happy and thankful to the EC for rescheduling the poll date on February 28 (Monday). We also thank God for bringing such good development,” AMCO president Rev Prim Vaiphei said.
He added, “Now, the Christian community will move out freely to vote on Monday after a day of peaceful prayer session.”
All 20 ST-reserved seats in the hill districts are predominantly settled by Christians and the first phase election covers 38 assembly seats, including 9 in the hill districts – Saikul, Kangpokpi , Saitu, Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Churachandpur, Saikot and Singhat.
A statement issued by the EC said that the Commission visited Manipur on Monday and Tuesday to review the election preparedness.
