2022 Elections: In light of the daily increase in Covid cases in the five polling states, India’s Election Commission has extended the ban on political rallies and roadshows until February 11.
The polling body also announced some easing and allowed physical gatherings with a maximum capacity of 1,000 people; indoor meetings to have a maximum capacity of 500 people. Twenty people were authorized for the door-to-door campaign.
The decision comes after the Electoral Commission discussed the Covid situation with state health secretaries and noted the positivity rate.
When the election committee released the voting schedule for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur on January 8, it banned physical gatherings and roadshows, citing an increase in COVID-19 cases.
It should be noted that the Assembly 2022 Elections will be held in seven phases starting February 10 in Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Ballots will be counted on March 10
He had maintained a ban on physical gatherings and roadshows in the five states through Jan. 31, but allowed public gatherings with a maximum of 500 people occupying the seats going to the polls in the first two stages and relaxed restrictions. limits of the door-to-door campaign during its previous meeting on January 22.
The Commission has regularly assessed the issue and granted flexibilities to ensure the virus does not spread and parties can campaign physically in a limited format.
.
