In Manipur, 173 candidates including fifteen women and 18 Independent candidates are in the fray for the first phase polls to be held on February, 28.<br />''<br />''A report<b> </b><br />''Thirty eight assembly constituencies of five electoral districts of Manipur-Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur have witnessed a hectic political campaign for the first phase polls. The newly formed Pherzawl district which has two assembly constituencies is combined with electoral district-Churachandpur in the upcoming first phase polls.<br />'' <br />''In the first phase polls, a total of twelve lakh fifteen thousand eight hundred fourteen voters will decide the fate of 173 candidates. Among the notable candidates who are in fray in the first phase polls are Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Deputy CM Y. Joykumar, President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee N. Loken, Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Y. Khemchand. The voting will be conducted at One thousand seven hundred eighteen polling stations.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Office of Chief Electoral Officer Manipur has informed that Six thousand and twenty four voters have opted for Postal Ballots under the categories of PwDs, 80 electors and those from essential services in the phase-I. Moreover, thirteen thousand two hundred seventy four Postal Ballots have been electronically transmitted to the respective Record Offices for the Service Voter for the first phase.</span>