Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sushil Chandra on Thursday hinted on timely elections claiming all political parties in Uttar Pradesh urged that Assembly elections should be held on time amid strict Covid-19 norms.
He, however, said the EC would not interfere in the ongoing political rallies and would only come out with a complete guideline once the Model Code of Conduct comes into force.
Addressing the media after a three-day visit to poll-bound Uttar Pradesh for a review of the preparedness, Chandra said that the political parties are not in favour of a delay in the polls. Replying to a question on the High Court suggestion of postponing the polls, Chandra said that all aspects would be considered before making a final call. It may be noted that elections are due for Legislative Assemblies of UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur in the next few months.
The CEC said Covid-19 guidelines and SOPs will be followed during the elections and added that the poll panel will ensure free and fair polls.
The final voters’ list for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections will be released on January 5, he stated, adding any rectification could be made till the last date of nomination.
“The representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time following all Covid-19 protocols,” the CEC informed the media. There has been speculation that amid surge in Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant’s spread, the ensuing polls in five States might be delayed.
Responding to a question on huge political rallies being held in Uttar Pradesh during the prevailing Covid-19 situation, CEC Chandra said they discussed the matter with the state health secretary. “When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue looking at the situation then,” he said.
The CEC informed that the poll panel has increased by one hour the voting time keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation. Voting during the elections will be held from 8 am to 6 pm on the date of polling, the CEC informed. Keeping Covid in view, we have reduced the number of voters per booth from 1,500 to 1,200. In UP, the number of polling stations has increased by 11,000. The staff deployed at voting booths across the State will be fully vaccinated and those eligible will be given a booster dose.
“I have been told that 86 per cent of the people in the State have got the first dose and 49 per cent the second shot of Covid vaccine... We have been assured that in 15 to 20 days all eligible people will get their first dose,” the chief election commissioner said. “We have asked for increasing vaccination. The situation arising out of the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus was also reviewed. It has been noted that there was not much impact of the latest variant in the State where only four cases were reported and three of them have recovered”, Chandra said. Thermal scanners, masks will be provided at all polling booths and special care will be on maintaining social distancing besides proper sanitisation of booths, he said.
To ensure free and fair elections and to ensure a level playing field, the election commission ordered the transfer of officials who have been posted at one place for over a year after various political parties cast their aspersions over this. Around 5,000 policemen have been transferred and the remaining will be transferred soon, the CEC said. There will be 4,030 model polling booths-- 10 at each constituency. Also, 800 all-women polling stations will be set up.
CEC Chandra further informed the following: “VVPATs will be installed at all voting booths. Live webcasting facilities will be available at around 1 lakh voting booths to ensure transparency in the election process.” The CEC said that the poll panel will reach the doorsteps of people above the age of 80 years, persons with disabilities and Covid-affected people who are unable to come to the polling booth. During the briefing, the CEC expressed concerns over the sliding voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh. “61 per cet voter turnout was recorded in 2017 UP Assembly elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout in UP was 59 per cent. It is a matter of worry why the voting percentage is less in the State where there is high political awareness among people,” he said.