In the lead-up to the 18th Lok Sabha Election, the government has made special arrangements to ensure the voting rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur. However, despite these efforts, many affected individuals are showing little interest in participating in the electoral process. The strife-torn state of Manipur, like the rest of India, is gearing up for the upcoming election, with ten candidates competing for two Member of Parliament (MP) seats allotted to the state. Despite extensive preparations by the authorities, there is a palpable lack of enthusiasm surrounding the election.
Some individuals have even criticized the election preparations, viewing them as premature in light of the ongoing crisis. However, others see the election as an opportunity to bring about positive change by selecting the right candidates. Manipur’s conflict has displaced over 58,000 people, many of whom are still residing in relief camps across the state. While the situation in Manipur has calmed somewhat, the majority of displaced individuals remain in these camps. Special arrangements have been made to ensure that IDPs can exercise their voting rights, including setting up special polling stations in relief camps.
Despite these provisions, a significant number of displaced persons express disillusionment with the government and a lack of interest in the election. Many cite their longing to return home as their primary concern, expressing skepticism that the election will address their pressing needs. Individuals like Thoiba, a former private school teacher now residing in a relief camp, emphasize that their priority is to return to their original homes. Similarly, Indira, who has lost faith in the government’s ability to resolve the crisis, struggles to muster any enthusiasm for the electoral process.
Even those who possess voter IDs, like Indira, express reluctance to cast their votes, fearing proxy voting or questioning the efficacy of their participation in what they perceive as a flawed democratic process. Franchis Keisham, a volunteer at a relief camp in Imphal East district, echoes these sentiments, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by displaced individuals and the urgent need for resettlement.