New Delhi, Aug 21 (UNI) The Election Commission on Friday approved broad guidelines for conduct of general/bye elections during COVID-19 period.
Under the guidelines, for the first time, candidates will have the option to deposit security amount online, a statement issued by the Election Commission said here.
Keeping the containment guidelines in view, the Commission has limited to five the number of persons including candidate for door to door campaign. It has also revised the norms of number of persons accompanying the candidate and number of vehicles at the time of nomination.
The EC has also created optional facility to fill the nomination form and the affidavit online and submission of the same, after taking print, before the RO concerned.
Public meetings and road shows will be permissible with suitable instructions subject to containment instructions issued by the MHA/State.
Face Mask, Sanitizer, Thermal scanners, gloves, face shield and PPE kits will be used during the electoral process ensuring social distancing norms. Hand gloves will be provided to all the electors for signing on the voter register and pressing button of EVM for voting.
The Chief Electoral Officers of concerned States/UTs, will make comprehensive State/District and AC election plans regarding arrangement and preventive measures following these guidelines taking local conditions into account. These plans will be prepared in consultation with Nodal Officer for COVID-19 in their respective States/UTs.
After onset of COVID-19 pandemic in India, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) have been issuing guidelines from time to time. In their latest circular dated July 29, MHA has issued comprehensive guidelines/directives to be followed countywide.
Similarly, Health Ministry has also issued SOP on disinfection, sanitization, and prevention for containing COVID-19.
Earlier, the Commission, on July 17, had sought views/suggestions of National/State Political Parties till July 31, and had further extended the period till August 11 on request of the Political parties.
The Commission has considered the views/suggestions received from various Political Parties and Chief Electoral Officers of States/UTs on election campaign and public meetings.
On August 18, the Election Commission had said that it issue 'broad guidelines', within three days for General/Bye Elections during COVID-19 period.
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