Imphal, Feb 1: With the issuance of the statutory notification for the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections on February 27 in 38 of the 60 Assembly seats, the filing of nomination began on Tuesday, election officials said.

Manipur’s Joint Chief Electoral Officer Ramananda Nongmeikapam said that the first phase of the elections in 38 assembly constituencies is spread in five districts — Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi – in central and southern Manipur.

He said that with the issuance of the notifications by the concerned Returning Officers on Tuesday, candidates can file their nominations from Tuesday itself and the last date of filing of candidature is February 8 and the scrutiny of the papers would take place next day.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is February 11.

The notification for the second phase of elections on March 3 in the remaining 22 assembly constituencies would be issued on February 4.

The Joint CEO said that in view of Covid-19 pandemic, the Election Commission has allowed online filing of nominations through the Suvidha portal.

An intending candidate may submit nomination papers online and their print copy may be taken for submitting before the Returning Officer. The candidate may also deposit security money through online mode.

However, a candidate will continue to have the option to deposit the security money in cash to the Returning Officer.

A candidate can also seek permission for holding meeting, door to door campaigns in an online system, the official said, adding that the number of persons to accompany a candidate for submission of nomination papers is restricted to two.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission from Tuesday allowed physical public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 1,000 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by the concerned authority.

The Commission has also enhanced the limit for door to door campaigns up to 20 persons, excluding security personnel.

The Commission has also granted relaxation for indoor meetings which can now have a maximum of 500 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by the authority.

The Commission, however, has continued to impose restrictions on road shows, Pad-yatras, cycle, bike, vehicle rallies and processions till February 11, Nongmeikapam added.