Human rights activist Irom Sharmila will take on Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in the second and final phase of Manipur Assembly elections on Wednesday.

Polling for the final phase will be held in 22 assembly constituencies spread across the valley district of Thoubal and the hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati.

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A total of 98 candidates are contesting in these constituencies.

The voting will start at 7 AM at 1,151 polling stations amid tight security. The Election Commission has made elaborate security arrangement by deploying 280 companies of central forces for a free and fair conduct of the elections.

Manipur has a 19,02,562 voters– 9,28,573 male and 9,73,989 female. Around 45,642 new voters will exercise franchise in this phase.

The final phase will decide the fate of all prominent state political leaders including Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister M Gaikhangam, rights activist-turned politician Irom Chanu Sharmila among others.

The Manipur polls this time is considered as a crucial test for the 15-year-old Congress regime which is facing a stiff challenge from the BJP.

The first phase of the Manipur polls, covering 38 seats, registered an impressive voter turnout of over 80 per cent.

Campaigning in the first phase focused on the ongoing economic blockade by the United Naga Council and the state government's inability to lift it. Other important issues that took the core of election campaign agenda are alleged lack of development, massive corruption, misappropriation of funds and worsening law and order situation in the state.

While the Congress maintained that it had implemented key development projects and improved the power supply during its 15-year rule, the BJP leaders alleged that the Ibobi-led Congress government failed to provide basic amenities to in the state, particularly the supply of potable water.

The BJP also criticised the Congress for its alleged failure to solve the over three-month-long economic blockade which paralysed the two national highways of the land-locked state.

All eyes are now turned on the Thoubal constituency where Sharmila is pitted against the chief minister. Sharmila who broke her 16-year fast last year and floated a party of her own — Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) in October, 2016 to contest the assembly elections in her fight to repeal the controversial act- Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA).

The results will be declared on March 11

(With inputs Agencies)