EC Identifies Over 1 Lakh Displaced Voters in Manipur
The Election Commission of India has completed a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Manipur, enumerating a total of 1,08,283 voters who are either absentees or have shifted from their registered addresses. This figure constitutes 5.17 per cent of the total electorate in the state, according to an official statement released on July 5, 2026.
Context of the Revision Amid Violence
The revision was conducted against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has led to significant internal displacement. The Commission directed the state's chief electoral officer to carry out the SIR to ensure that displaced persons are properly accounted for and can exercise their franchise in future elections. The exercise aimed to update electoral rolls with current addresses and identify voters who may have been affected by the conflict.
Details of the Enumeration Process
The special revision covered all 60 assembly constituencies in Manipur. Election officials visited relief camps, temporary shelters, and affected areas to record the status of displaced voters. The 1,08,283 voters identified include those who have moved to new locations within the state as well as those who are temporarily absent. The Commission emphasized that the data will be used to facilitate voting access for these individuals, including potential alternative polling arrangements.
Impact on Future Elections
The enumeration is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that displaced citizens are not disenfranchised. The Election Commission stated that it is working with district administrations to issue voter ID cards with updated addresses and to set up special polling stations if necessary. Political parties have welcomed the move, noting that it addresses a key concern raised by human rights organizations regarding the voting rights of internally displaced persons.
