UP Election 2022 update: All political parties want UP polls to be held as per schedule, says CEC
Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra on Thursday said that the representatives of all political parties have told the Election Commission that the upcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh should be held as per schedule while following all COVID-19 protocols.
Addressing the media after a three-day visit to poll-bound Uttar Pradesh for a review of the preparedness, Chandra said that the political parties are not in favour of a delay in the polls.
It may be noted that elections are due for Legislative Assemblies of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur in the next few months.
The CEC said COVID-19 guidelines and SOPs will be followed during the elections and added that the poll panel will ensure free and fair polls.
The final voters’ list for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections will be released on January 5, he stated.
“The representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time following all COVID-19 protocols,” the CEC informed the media.
There has been speculation that amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases due to the Omicron variant’s spread, the ensuing polls in five states might be delayed.
Responding to a question on huge political rallies being held in Uttar Pradesh during the prevailing COVID-19 situation, CEC Chandra said they discussed the matter with the state health secretary.
“When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue looking at the situation then,” the Chief Election Commissioner said.
The CEC informed that the poll panel has increased by one hour the voting time keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation. Voting during the elections will be held from 8 am to 6 pm on the date of polling, the CEC informed.
CEC Chandra further informed the following: “VVPATs will be installed at all voting booths. Live webcasting facilities will be available at around 1 lakh voting booths to ensure transparency in the election process.”
The CEC said that the poll panel will reach the doorsteps of people above the age of 80 years, persons with disabilities and COVID-affected people who are unable to come to the polling booth.
During the briefing, the CEC expressed concerns over the sliding voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh.
“61% voter turnout was recorded in 2017 UP Assembly Elections. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout in UP was 59%. It a matter of worry why voting percentage is less in the state where there is high political awareness among people,” he said.
