The Election Commission of India on Saturday announced the dates for assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Manipur.
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra told the media that Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls in seven phases from February 10 for 58 seats, February 14 for 55 seats, February 20 for 59 seats, February 23 for 60 seats, February 27 for 60 seats, March 3 for 57 seats and March 7 for 54 seats. Manipur will go to vote in two phases on Feb 27 and March 3, whereas, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Goa will go to polls in a single-phase on February 14.
The counting of votes will be held on March 10, Chandra said. The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect with the announcement of poll schedule. Laying down the rules for polls amid the rise in the Covid-19 cases, Chandra said: “In view of Covid-19 situation, no roadshows, padayatras, cycle or bike rallies, and processions shall be allowed till January 15.”
Chandra said fresh instructions will be issued later after reviewing the situation. CEC said that if Covid-19 protocols are violated, Commission will not hesitate in cancelling rallies. The state level functionaries of the State Disaster Management Authorities will be held accountable for any lapse with regard to Covid-appropriate behaviour at rallies or events.
The Commission is developing an app on the criminal history of candidates in its continuing attempt to weed out criminals from politics. Political parties will also have to answer as to why a candidate with a criminal past has been nominated by them, the CEC said. Polling time has been increased by 1 hour in all polling stations
Chandra informed that all eligible election officers on poll duty will be treated as frontline workers. He said that over 18 crore voters, including over 8.5 crore women, will be eligible to vote in the five poll-bound states.
Keeping women voters in mind, the EC has mandated that at least one polling station be managed exclusively by women in every assembly constituency. To curb the misuse of social media, Chandra directed all parties, candidates to ensure strong checks against hate speech, fake news. Strict vigil would be kept on social media platforms, he said.
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