AMN
In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and rising cases of Omicron variant across the country, the Election Commission has laid focus on COVID-safe elections with maximum participation. The Election Commission has extended ban on physical rallies and roadshows till 11th of February. After taking a comprehensive review of the prevailing situation with respect to status and projected trends of COVID pandemic in the five poll-bound states, the commission has decided to allow physical public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of one thousand persons or 50 percent of the capacity of the ground or the prescribed limit set by State Disaster Management Authorities, whichever is lesser, with effect from today for all phases.
The Commission has also enhanced the limit for door-to-door campaigns. Instead of 10 persons, now 20 persons, excluding security personnel, will be allowed for door-to-door campaigns. It has now granted relaxation for the political parties to the extent that indoor meetings of a maximum of 500 persons or 50 percent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by SDMA is allowed.
The Election Commission has also allowed video vans for publicity with usual COVID restrictions at designated open spaces with a maximum of 500 viewers or 50 percent of the capacity or the limit set by SDMA, whichever is lesser, in the poll-going states subject to public convenience and no hindrance to smooth flow of traffic. The political parties and contesting candidates will have to ensure the compliance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections. All concerned State and District Authorities will ensure full compliance of these instructions.