EC extends ban on roadshows, political rallies till February 11

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday extended the ban on roadshows and political rallies in all poll-bound states till February 11 in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country. However, the poll body has allowed some relaxation in the number of people allowed at meetings and election campaigning.  A maximum of 1,000 people will now be permitted for physical public meetings of political parties or contesting candidates in designated open spaces with a maximum of 1,000. Earlier, the limit was 500. All other restrictions on padayatra (foot march), cycle or bike or vehicle rallies, and processions will continue to remain banned till February 11.

The Commission has also increased the limit for door to door campaigns. Instead of 10 persons, now 20 persons, excluding security personnel, will be allowed for door to door campaigns. The EC met with health and electoral officials from the five states going to polls to review the present situation of Covid 19 infection and projected trends. The commission said all chief secretaries of poll-bound states informed it that Covid-19 cases in their respective regions have either begun “plateauing out” or are tapering. They added the case positivity rate is also showing a declining trend but stressed on the continued need to have Covid-19 protocols as a precautionary measure to keep any “undue spurt” of fresh infections at bay.“Political parties and contesting candidates shall ensure the compliance of Covid-appropriate behaviour and guidelines and model code of conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections,” the ECI statement said. As many as five states are going into polls this month, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab. The EC had initially put the ban on political rallies and roadshows between January 8 and 15, but later extended it twice till January 22 and 31.