The election threw up a hung verdict with none of the two mainstream parties, BJP and Congress being able to cross the magic figure of 31 in the 60-member Assembly.
The BJP did well in the valley, where the Congress was hoping to reap the benefits of economic blockade.
Manipur on Saturday threw up a hung assembly with the ruling Congress bagging 28 of the 60 seats and the BJP winning 21.
BJP leaders had earlier told The Indian Express that the party would look to form the government if it crosses the 20-seat mark, and it could now find willing allies among the 10 winners of smaller parties.
The results at the Thoubal constituency, where Irom lost to CM Okram Ibobi Singh, is not a surprise to most. Singh has remained unbeaten there for three terms now.
N Giridhar Singh, who is General Secretary of Association of Manipuri Diaspora, felt it would have done good to the state if the election had brought change of power.
Ibobi, with his decision to create seven new districts, was able to shift the poll plank on the issue of economic blockade and threat to territorial integrity of Manipur if the BJP comes to power.
Rights activist Irom Sharmila, who had contested against the Chief Minister, was relegated to fourth position after securing only 90 votes.
In today's election result, Irom Sharmila lost to chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh in Thoubal constituency.
Manipur Election Result 2017: Sharmila managed to get less than 100 votes while Ibobi secured over 15,000 votes.
According to CVoter, Inner Manipur has its votes divided between BJP and Congress
Manipur elections results 2017: The state is currently governed by Congress with Okram Ibobi Singh as the chief minister who has held the position since 2002.
Political analysts say that the anti-incumbency is high this time as well, probably higher than 2012, but that the entry of BJP in to Manipuri politics that has the Chief Minister worried.
Manipur exit polls predict the Congress may retain the state
At least 30 out out of 60 seats are required for any party to form government in the state.
Here are all consistences being contested in Manipur
Congress is usually strong in the Christian majority northeastern states but it remains to be seen how much of that translates into votes this time after votes are counted on 11 March, 2017.
Exit polls predict a slight lead to the BJP against the Congress. The parties will need to win at least 30 seats out of 60 to form their government in Manipur.
The chief electoral office of Manipur ordered re-polling due to multiple voting and trouble during the polling process.
The turnout in 22 Assembly constituencies was the highest since the 2009 Lok Sabha election.
The highest 86 per voter turnout has been recorded for the 11th assembly in the history of state elections.
Manipur: The second phase of polling will decide the political future of Human Rights activist Irom Sharmila who broke her 16- year fast last year and formed her own party named the ‘Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance’
Manipur elections 2017: A total of 98 candidates are contesting in these constituencies.
The Naga Peace Accord has been kept strategically out of the BJP manifesto in Manipur.
Polling will be held in 22 constituencies spread across the districts of Thoubal, Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati and will cover 1151 polling stations.