EC issues poll guidelines, considering suggestions made by the political parties and chief electoral officers of states and union territories

With key state polls and bypolls slated for this year, the Election Commission on Friday issued fresh guidelines for election-related activities during the 
Covid-19 pandemic. 

After considering suggestions made by the political parties and chief electoral officers of states and union territories, the EC said only group of five people can campaign door-to-door. It also restricted candidate convoy for roadshows to five vehicles. 

The new guidelines make it compulsory for every person to wear face mask during all election related activities. Thermal scanning, access to sanitizers for all, taking a part of nomination process online, option for depositing security money online.

"There shall be maximum 1,000 electors instead of 1,500 electors in a polling station," the guidelines said.

First & Second randomization and preparation of EVMs/VVPATs shall be done in large halls.

A separate set of guidelines would be issued for voters who are residing in areas notified as "containment zone", the Election Commission said.

The commission has recommended mandatory sanitisation of polling stations, preferably a day before the polls.

Nodal Health Officer shall be designated for the State, the District and the Assembly Constituency to oversee COVID-19 related arrangements and, preventive measures during the entire electoral process.

Polls are due in the months of October-November in Bihar, which has, till date, witnessed 1.15 lakh COVID-19 cases, including 574 fatalities. While the poll body has not made any official announcement regarding the poll schedule, several parties, including the ruling Janata Dal (United) ally Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) has written in past to EC expressing concerns regarding the conduct of elections in the midst of a pandemic.