Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Jan 15: In wake of the Covid-19 scenario, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has prolonged the ban on physical demonstrations in the five poll-bound states till January 22.
Earlier, the ECI had banned physical rallies, roadshows, and corner meetings in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa, and Manipur until January 15.
The virus is still spreading, according to the Union health secretary and the chief health secretaries of the five poll-bound states, who informed the EC on Saturday.
In a meeting with specialists, officials, and political party leaders, the Commission was warned that while the Omicron variant’s infection intensity is not as deadly as Delta’s, loosening restrictions would not be suitable just yet.
The prohibition on protests and processions was subsequently decided to be extended at least until next week.
However, the Commission has eased several limitations ahead of the five states’ Assembly elections.
- Indoor meetings of a maximum of 300 persons or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by SDMA will be allowed.
- Political parties must ensure the compliance of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour and guidelines and the Model Code of Conduct on all occasions during poll-related events.
- All remaining restrictions as contained in the Revised Broad Guidelines for Conduct of Elections, 2022 issued on January 8 must continue to be in effect.
From February 10 to March 7, elections for 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh will be contested in seven stages.
On February 27 and March 3, Manipur’s 60 constituencies will vote in two stages, while Goa (40 seats), Punjab (117 seats), and Uttarakhand (70 seats) will vote on February 14. On March 10, all five states will have their ballots counted.
In order to combat the spread of Covid-19, the ECI also prohibited victory celebrations. CEC Sushil Chandra had indicated at the time of publishing the poll schedule on January 8 that only two people would be allowed to accompany the candidate to collect the winning certificate.
