The Election Commission of India today announced a slew of measures that will be taken to make the assembly elections in five states a smooth process. The Election Commission also announced the polling schedule for five states including Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Here are some key highlights on polling dates, phases of polling, total constituencies.
Total Phases in Voting:
According to the Election Commission, voting will be held in five states in a total of 7 phases. The first phase will start from February 10 and the counting of votes will take place on March 10, 2022. Voting in Uttar Pradesh will be held in 7 phases (February 10, February 14, February 20, February 23, February 27, March 3 and March 7). 10 February to 7 March.
Polling is to be held in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa on February 14 and Manipur on February 27 and March 3.
Elections will be held in Manipur in two phases.
Voting Protocol:
The Election Commission has directed parties not to take out any political rallies, padyatras, cycle or bike rallies and processions till January 15. Senior citizens above 80 years of age, persons with disabilities and COVID19 patients will be allowed to vote through postal ballot.
EVMs and VVPATs will be used at all polling stations.
Read also: The Election Commission has banned political rallies, road shows till January 15. see details here
covid safety protocol:
All pole duty officers and employees will be treated as “frontline workers”. They will be vaccinated with the “precautionary dose” of the Kovid-19 vaccine. The Election Commission also said that the election body held a meeting with the Health Ministry and after considering all aspects, the Election Commission decided to announce the election dates.
Read also: Election Commission announces election schedule for 5 states, first phase from February 10
Model Code of Conduct:
Model code of conduct will be implemented in all the states from today. Voters can use the Election Commission’s c-Vigil mobile application to flag any incident of violation of the model code of conduct such as distribution of funds and freebies. The officials of the Election Commission will have to reach the spot in just 100 minutes.
Information about parties, candidates:
The Election Commission said that all political parties should upload information on pending criminal cases against candidates on their websites. Also, they have to state the reason behind the selection of the candidates against whom criminal cases are pending.
Read also: Assembly election schedule announced in 5 states amid Omicron threat; 10 points
Total Polling Stations:
According to the Election Commission, at least one polling station in each assembly constituency will be managed exclusively by women. CEC Sushil Chandra said that about 1620 such polling stations will be set up in five states.
Total Voters:
About 24.9 lakh first-time voters will vote in the assembly elections. A total of 18.34 crore voters, including service voters, will exercise their franchise, of which 8.55 crore are women voters.
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