IMPHAL | The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the immediate transfer of election-related administrative and police officials in five states, including Manipur, ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The directive, issued on October 27, covers Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The current term of the Manipur Legislative Assembly is scheduled to end on March 13, 2027.

According to the communication sent to the Chief Electoral Officers of the five states, the transfers are intended to prevent officials from remaining in positions that could compromise the neutrality of the electoral process and to help ensure free and fair elections.

The order applies to officials posted in their home districts and those who have served in the same district for three years during the past four years. In Manipur, the requirement also covers officers who will complete three years in a district on or before March 31, 2027.

The transfer directive covers several key administrative positions, including District Election Officers, Returning Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Magistrates, Tehsildars and Municipal Commissioners. Police personnel are also covered, including senior officers such as Additional Directors General and Inspectors General at the range level, State Armed Police Commandants, District Superintendents of Police and sub-divisional police officials.

The Commission said such transfers form part of its established procedures in states approaching elections. The measures are intended to maintain a level playing field for political parties and candidates. The directive comes as preparations for the 2027 Manipur Assembly elections continue. A delegation led by senior deputy election commissioners recently visited the state to review electoral preparedness.

The transfer exercise is also taking place alongside the annual Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls across all five states. The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on January 4. The Commission’s preparations follow electoral-roll revision exercises in several states, including a separate Special Intensive Revision process in certain jurisdictions.

With the Manipur Assembly’s tenure due to end in March 2027, the transfer order and voter-list revision are among the administrative steps being undertaken ahead of the next round of Assembly elections.