No Rallies, Roadshows Till Jan 15, Says EC As Election Dates Out - Check Full Covid Guidelines

Asserting the Election Commission aims to conduct Covid-safe elections in these five states, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra issued the following guidelines.

ECI announces assembly elections in five states.

New Delhi: In an endeavor to conduct “Covid-safe elections” in the five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday said that no roadshows, pad yatras and processions will be conducted by the political leaders and parties till January 15.

Asserting the Election Commission aims to conduct Covid-safe elections in these five states, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra issued the following guidelines.

Full Covid Guidelines Announced By EC For Assembly Polls | 10 Points

• All political parties and leaders to conduct campaigning via digital and mobile platforms as per Covid-19 norms.
• Restrictions on nukkad sabhas and public roadshows.
• All polling stations will be equipped with Covid-mitigation facilities, including sanitisers, gloves and masks.
• All polling booths will be fully sanitized. The number of polling booths increased. The number of voters in one voting center reduced to 1,250 from 1,500.
• No victory procession will be allowed.
• Not more than two people will accompany a winning candidate to receive the election certificate from the Returning Officer.
• Polling time increased by one hour in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases.
• All polling officials will be given Covid-19 booster doses so that they remain safe during the election process.
• The chief secretaries of all states going for polls directed to accelerate the first and second phase of vaccination to all above 18 years of age.
• The chief secretaries asked to expedite the first and second dose to the voters.