The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday once again rescheduled the by-election to the Pipili Assembly constituency in Puri district. The voting which was scheduled to be held on May 13 would now be conducted on May 16.
Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sushil Lohani explained that the by-poll was rescheduled as Muslims’ religious festival Eid al-Fitr is likely to fall on May 13.
“Voters from the Muslim community may face inconvenience for casting their votes on that day. The ECI has received some representations in this regard, on the basis of which the date has been rescheduled again,” Lohani said.
“The voting will now be held on May 16 and the counting of votes will take ploace on May 19. The whole election process will be completed by May 21,” he informed.
Lohani said the ECI has issued guidelines for the conduct of the by-poll amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The election campaign would now end 72 hours before the election date instead of earlier 48 hours. It implies that the poll campaign would end in Pipili from May 13 evening, said he.
The ECI has banned political rallies and meetings. Political parties can hold campaign through virtual mode. Maximum five persons would be allowed for door-to-door campaign.
The body temperature of all would be tested at the voting centres. If any symptom is found in any voter, a token would be given to him or her. The voter would be allowed to cast the vote after 5 pm. Besides, gloves would be given to all voters, the CEO added.