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ELECTION 99
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Manipur elections on Saturday

The northeastern state of Manipur begins its first round of polling on Saturday to elect 27 members of the state assembly.

There are three major fronts vying for power here -- the United Front headed by the Manipur State Congress Party, the Manipur Democratic Alliance consisting of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Samata Party and the Kuki National Assembly, and the Secular Democratic Front, including the Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Manipur People's Party and the Janata Dal (Secular).

But the CPI-M has chosen to maintain equidistance from the ruling front as well as the Secular Democratic Front and has fielded its candidates in four constituencies.

The political fate of 206 candidates will be decided in the first phase of polling. Former chief minister Rishang Keishing is staking his claim from Phungyar constituency in Ukhrul district.

Besides the state police, the army and paramilitary forces will also be deployed to ensure free and fair elections, an official spokesperson said.

The constituencies going to the polls are Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabo, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Jiribam, Chandel (Schedule Tribes), Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Saikul (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Kangpokpi, Saitu (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST), Nungba (ST), Thanlon (ST), Henglep (ST), Churachandpur (ST), Saikot (ST) and Singhat (ST).

The election to Tipaimukh (ST) constituency has been postponed after a candidate was murdered.

UNI

Assembly Election 2000

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