Polling date changed after protests by Christian and tribal communities in India

The Election Commission has changed the polling dates for India’s Manipur State after strong protests from the Christian and tribal communities.

The Commission had first scheduled February 7, a Sunday,  as one of the polling dates, drawing opposition from Christian leaders of all denominations.

The two-phase election in Manipur, which has a sizable Christian population,  will now take place on February 28 and March 5, the Election Commission declared on February 10.

Several tribal groups and political parties had asked the Election Commission to revise the voting dates since February 27, the first phase, fell on a Sunday, which would have affected church services.

Christians comprise 41 percent of Manipur's three-million population, according to the 2022 census.

The commission announced an assembly election in five states on January 8 that will have seven phases starting on February 10, with the counting of votes scheduled for March 10.

The All-Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) on January 18  asked the Election Commission to reschedule the first phase of the assembly elections. "We earnestly appeal to the Election Commission to reschedule the first phase polling date to show solidarity and respect to the religious sentiment of the Christians,"  AMCO’s statement said.

Christian leaders of all denominations and student unions within the state have expressed their satisfaction with the rescheduled dates.

“People in Manipur, especially Christian and tribal people, were relieved after hearing the news from the Election Commission. We thank God for hearing our prayers and also thank the Election Commission for hearing our request,”  said Reverend Jangkholun Mangte, one of the petitioners to the Election Commission.

“Holding a poll on Sunday in a state where thousands are Christians would have had a great impact on the election, and even on the result of the assembly election,” said the pastor.

In January, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki people in northeast India, had urged the Election Commission to reschedule the date to any other convenient date other than a Sunday.

“The state is predominantly Christian, tribal Christians account for 43 percent of the population, and Sunday is a holy and sacred day for Christians. It is also a day for rest and worship,” Khaiminlen Doungel, ATSUM secretary, said.

The Election Commission, in a statement, said a team went to Manipur on February 7 - 8 and reviewed the election preparations.

"The Commission, having considered inputs, representations, past precedents, logistic, ground situations and all facts and circumstances in the matter, has decided... to revise the dates of poll..." the Election Commission said.