With the improvement in the Covid-19 situation, the State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday partially relaxed the restrictions imposed for campaigning for the panchayat elections.
State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhi said candidates now can conduct door-to-door campaigning with a maximum of 20 persons, including the candidate. Earlier, only five persons were allowed to accompany a contestant for this.
Besides, outdoor meetings are allowed with a limit of 300 persons, he said. However, all other restrictions like bike rally, cycle rally and Padayatra would continue to remain in force, he said.
“Public meetings can be organised by the political parties/contesting candidates with prior permission of the appropriate authority with maximum 300 persons in open ground subject to strict observance of Covid-19 protocols, i.e., compulsory use of facemask and social distancing,” read an order issued by the SEC.
Padhi, who held a review meeting with the District Collectors in the morning, said precautionary doses have been administered to about 80% to 90% of polling staffs while the others would get the dose in next two to three days.
On preparation of ward-wise electoral roll for municipal elections, the SEC said the final draft list would be published on February 10. The SEC also convened a meeting with leaders from all political parties on that day for smooth conduct of the elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which are likely to be held soon after the panchayat polls.
The panchayat elections will be held in five phases on February 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24. The voters will exercise their franchise from 7 am to 1 pm. Counting of votes and declaration of results would be done at the block level on February 26, 27