New Delhi: Amid rising cases of COVID-19 across the country, the Election Commission of India on Saturday extended the ban on physical rallies and road shows till January 22 in five states where assembly elections are due next month.
“ECI extends ban on physical rallies and road shows till January 22, 2022. ECI gives relaxation to political parties to such an extent that indoor meetings of maximum 300 persons or 50% of the hall capacity or the limit prescribed by SDMA,” The Election Commission gave information.
In addition, the Election Commission has directed political parties to follow the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the comprehensive guidelines on COVID-19.
“ECI directs the state/district administration to ensure compliance of all instructions relating to MCC and COVID,” the Election Commission said.
On January 8, the Election Commission had directed that no physical political rallies and road shows would be allowed till January 15 for the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra while addressing said, “No physical rally of political parties or perhaps candidates or any other group related to the election will be allowed till January 15. The Election Commission will review the situation later and Will issue further instructions.” A press conference here.
“No road shows, padyatras, cycle or bike rallies and processions will be allowed till January 15. The situation will be reviewed and fresh instructions will be issued later,” the CEC said.
Uttar Pradesh will vote in seven phases from February 10 to March 7; Polling will be held in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa on February 14 and Manipur on February 27 and March 3. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.
First Published:January 15, 2022, 5:37 pm
