Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra hinted at timely assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that all political parties had urged that the polls be held on time amidst strict Covid norms.
He, however, said that the Election Commission would not interfere in the ongoing political rallies and would only come out with a complete guideline once the Model Code of Conduct comes into force after announcement of election dates.
Elections are due for the legislative assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur in the next few months and there have been speculation that amid the growing COVID-19 cases due to spread of Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus, the coming polls in five states might be delayed.
After a three-day review visit to poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Chandra, addressing media persons in Lucknow on Thursday, said that political parties were not in favour of a delay in the polls.
Replying to a question on the Allahabad High Court suggestion of postponing the polls, Chandra said that all aspects would be considered before taking a final call.
The chief election commissioner said that Covid guidelines and SOPs (standard operating procedures) would be followed during the elections and the poll panel would ensure free and fair polls.
Chandra further said, “The final voters' list for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections will be released on January 5 and any rectification could be made till the last date of nomination. Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time following Covid protocols."
Responding to a question on massive crowds at political rallies being held in Uttar Pradesh amidst growing coronavirus positive cases, the chief election commissioner said they did discuss the matter with UP health secretary. "When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue looking at the situation then," Chandra said.
The chief election commissioner said that the poll panel had increased the voting time by one hour, keeping in mind the Covid situation and votes could be cast from 8 am to 6 pm on the date of polling.
“Also, keeping the spread of coronavirus in view, we have reduced the number of voters per booth from 1,500 to 1,200. In UP, the number of polling stations has been increased by 11,000 and the staff deployed at voting booths across the state will be fully vaccinated and those eligible will be given a booster dose. Thermal scanners, masks will be provided at all the polling booths and special care will be on maintaining social distancing besides proper sanitisation of booths," Chandra said.
"I have been told that 86 per cent of the people in UP have been administered the first vaccine dose and 49 per cent have been completely vaccinated. We have been assured that in 15 to 20 days all eligible people will get their first dose. We have asked for increasing vaccination. The situation arising out of the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus was also reviewed. It has been noted that there was not much impact of the latest variant in the state where only four cases have been reported and three of them have recovered," the chief election commissioner said.
To ensure free and fair elections and to ensure a level playing field, the chief election commissioner ordered the transfer of officers who have been posted at one place for over a year after various political parties cast their aspersions over this.
“Around 5,000 policemen have been transferred and the remaining will be transferred soon. There will be 4,030 model polling booths, 10 at each constituency and also, 800 all-women polling stations will be set up,” he said.
Chandra further said, "VVPAT machines will be installed at all voting booths. Live webcasting facilities will be available at around one lakh voting booths to ensure transparency in the election process. The poll panel will reach the doorsteps of people above the age of 80 years, persons with disabilities and COVID-19 affected people who are unable to come to the booth.”
During the briefing, the chief election commissioner expressed concern over the sliding voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh. "A total of 61 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 2017 UP assembly elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout in the state was 59 per cent. It is a matter of worry why the voting percentage is less in the state where there is high political awareness among people," he said.
