Imphal, Feb 27 (UNI) Amid a massive security bandobast, counting for the ninth Manipur Assembly election begins at 0800 hours this morning in 12 centres spanning nine districts to decide the fate of 308 candidates, including ten women.

Chief Electoral Officer R R Rashmi said the first result is expected in the noon, adding all the results are likely to be declared by tonight.

She said a three-tier security arrangement had been put in place.

No vehicle or any television crew had been allowed near the counting centres.

All the District Electoral Officers and Returning Officers had been asked to ensure proper security and other arrangements, Mr Rashmi said.

The respective SPs of all the nine districts had announced traffic arrangements.

The first cordon of security is around the counting hall, the next and last cordons is to protect the EVMs.

Even policemen had not been allowed inside the counting halls.

Two senior Magistrates had been posted at the entrance of the second and third cordons, he further added.

The three-phase elections for the 60-member House were held on February 8, 14 and 23.

It might be mentioned that Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had carved a niche for himself for being the first Chief Minister of Manipur to have survived the entire five-year term.

UNI