Violence, intimidation, and booth disruptions marred Manipur elections, while Nagaland saw a poll boycott. Incidents included firing, bogus voting, threats, and EVM damage. The Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation enforced a shutdown, MLAs didn t vote, and armed men interfered in polling stations.
Of the 1,618 candidates in the fray in phase one, 16 per cent or 252 candidates are named in criminal cases, with 10 per cent or 161 candidates facing serious criminal charges