Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Dec 30: The Election Commission held a press conference on Thursday after visiting Uttar Pradesh for the assembly elections. The commission said that the political parties of Uttar Pradesh want the assembly elections to be held next year on time with the Covid-19 protocol.
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said, “We have discussed with the administration, police and political parties. We have informed them about the Covid-19 protocol. Several political parties expressed concern over the rallies. Many told us that their numbers should be limited.”
He also informed that the voting during Assembly elections will be held from 8 am to 6 pm on the date of polling. He also announced an increase in polling time by 1 hour in the state of Uttar Pradesh due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He also stated that the Omicron wave is not very potent in the state as three out of the four people affected by the variant have recovered.
“61% voter turnout was recorded in 2017 UP assembly elections. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout in UP was 59%. It a matter of worry why voting percentage is less in the state where there is high political awareness among people,” said CEC Sushil Chandra.
“VVPATs to be installed at all voting booths. Live webcasting facilities will be available at around 1 lakh voting booths to ensure transparency in election process,” he added.
To boost women participation in polls, 800 polling booths for women will be set up, he said. “We will conduct an inclusive election in which no voter will be left behind,” Chandra further added.
CEC also said the distribution of freebies should be stopped immediately and that the Election Commission is keeping close watch on the matter. The final voters list will be released on January 5, 2022.
Notably, besides Uttar Pradesh, Assembly elections are due in Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand and Gujarat in the first half of next year.
