New Delhi: New Delhi: Election Commission announced schedule for assembly elections to 5 states on Saturday afternoon. There are total 690 seats of assembly elections in five states. EC has total electors above 18 crore in 5 states. 24.9 lakh first time electors.
Uttar Pradesh will vote in each of the seven phases – on February 10, February 14, February 20, February 23, February 27, March 3, and March 7.
Punjab, Goa, and Uttarakhand will vote on February 14.
Manipur will vote in two phases – on February 27 and March 3.
The BJP is in power in four of these states; the Congress is in power in Punjab.
A total of 690 Assembly constituencies will vote over the next two months, with the maximum in UP (403 seats) followed by Punjab (117), Uttarakhand (70), Manipur (60) and Goa (40).
The holding of timely election is the “essence of maintaining democratic governance,” Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said, as the top poll body defended its decision to go ahead with elections despite a frightening surge of COVID-19 cases in the third wave.
India reported over 1.41 lakh new cases this morning – up 21 per cent from yesterday.
The Commission said it had decided to go ahead with the polls after detailed discussions with the Union Health and Home Secretaries, experts, and health officials of the concerned states.
As part of its Covid-safety rules, the Commission has banned all physical rallies, roadshows, and meetings till January 15. This order will be reviewed later since the “ground situation is dynamic”.
As Covid cases soared in view of Omicron variant, ECI held meetings with Union Health Secretary & Home Secretary, experts, & health secretaries of States. After taking these views & ground situation, ECI has decided to announce polls with safety norms in place says CEC Sushil Chandra
CEC has stated that their priority is covid safe polls. “We aim to conduct Covid-safe elections in five states with maximum voter participation with extensive preparations,” the Election Commission has said.
Elections to be held for 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa. More than 18 crore voters, including over 8.5 crore women, will be eligible to vote in 5 state assembly polls says CEC Sushil Chandra.
EVMs and VVPATs will be utilized in all the polling stations. Election Commission has already made arrangements to ensure an adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the smooth conduct of elections: CEC Sushil Chandra in Delhi.
“Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from announcement of the schedules. Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC guidelines. Any violation of these guidelines will be strictly dealt with,” says CEC.
Further he stated that, our cVIGIL application should be used by voters to report any incident of violation of the Model Code of Conduct, distribution of money & freebies. Within 100 minutes of complaint, ECI officials will reach the place of offence.
Election Commission has asked parties to conduct virtual campaigns. They have not permitted any physical rallies till January 15. They have also asked to avoid victory processions after results. Parties to provide masks and follow covid protocols for physical rallies. CEC Sushil Chandra announced that the situation to be reviewed and fresh instructions to be issued later.
The commission has asked to take opinion of health experts taken to ensure Covid-safe elections.
As an independent media platform, we do not take advertisements from governments and corporate houses. It is you, our readers, who have supported us on our journey to do honest and unbiased journalism. Please contribute, so that we can continue to do the same in future.
