In view of the raging coronavirus pandemic, the Election Commission of India on Saturday extended the ban on political rallies and roadshows in poll-bound states till January 22.
The ECI had on January 8 during a press conference announced complete ban on physical rallies till January 15 in view of the third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak.
As per the directive, no roadshows, padyatras, cycle or bike rallies and processions shall be allowed during this period.
The Election Commission has also issued a strict ban on victory processions after the results are announced.
While announcing the schedule for the Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra had last Saturday informed that all polling officials and booth staff will be categorised as frontline workers and all eligible officials will be vaccinated with the booster shot of Covid-19 vaccine.
“All election officials and employees will be considered as frontline workers and all eligible officers will be vaccinated with ‘precautionary dose’. As Covid-19 cases soared in view of Omicron variant, ECI held meetings with Union Health Secretary and Home Secretary, experts, and health secretaries of States. After taking these views and ground situation, ECI decided to announce polls with safety norms in place,” CEC Chandra said.
Uttar Pradesh will vote in seven phases from February 10, while Manipur will go to polls in two phases from February 27. Single-phase elections will be held in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa on February 14.
Senior citizens above 80 years of age, persons with disabilities and Covid-19 patients can vote by postal ballots.
