New Delhi, January 18: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given permission to hold election programs of up to 500 people in the first and second phases on Saturday after the names of candidates are finalized, provided the local administration approves it in view of the COVID-19 situation and the venue of the event. Only half filled in numerical terms.
The Election Commission has also increased the number of five people fixed earlier for the door-to-door election campaign to 10, in which the security staff will be additional.
The Election Commission today held a review meeting regarding the ban on physical rallies, road shows and travel programs as part of the election campaign till date.
The Commission also consulted with the Union Health Ministry and Chief Secretaries of the Elected States, Chief Electoral Officers, Health Secretaries.
After the meeting, the Election Commission decided that the restrictions related to the ongoing election campaign related to Covid-19 will continue till January 31. However, in the areas to be held in the first phase in Uttar Pradesh, the campaign will be allowed after January 27.
It is noteworthy that in the first phase, the names of the candidates will be finalized by January 27. This situation will be till January 31 for the second phase. After this the Election Commission will review again.
According to the information given by the Election Commission, under the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, political parties and candidates will be able to organize election programs of up to 500 people after the dates fixed today. During this, it will be necessary to follow the Covid-19 guidelines. Even in door-to-door campaigning, now instead of five, 10 numbers can be taken out.
The commission said it has already allowed political parties to hold indoor meetings of up to 300 people. These meetings will have to be limited to half the capacity of the venue. Apart from this, video vans for publicity will also be allowed with covid restrictions.
