Election Commission issues guidelines for conduct of elections during COVID-19

The Election Commission of India on Friday issued guidelines for the conduct of general elections/by-elections during COVID-19. As per the guidelines, the candidates can file nomination online while people have been asked to wear face masks during election-related activities. Likewise, the option of postal ballot facility has been extended to the electors who are marked as 'persons with disabilities', people above the age of 80 years, people employed in notified essential services, and who are COVID-19 positive/possibly infected. An adequate number of vehicles shall be mobilized for the movement of polling personnel, security personnel to ensure compliance of COVID-19 guidelines. Nodal Health Officer would 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.

EVMs/VVPATs

• First and Second randomization and preparation of EVMs/VVPATs shall be done in large halls.
• Sanitizers shall be provided in sufficient quantity for use during the process.
• Gloves shall be made available to each official handling EVM/VVPAT.

Nomination Process

• The nomination form will also be available online on the website of CEO/DEO. An intending candidate may fill in it online and print may be taken for submitting before the Returning Officer as specified in Form-1 (Rule-3 of Conduct of Election Rules 1961).
• An affidavit may also be filled in online on the website of CEO/DEO and its print can be taken and after notarization, it may be submitted along with the nomination form before the Returning Officer.
• The candidate may deposit security money through online mode at the designated platform. However, a candidate will continue to have the option of deposit in cash in the treasury.
• The candidate may have the option to seek his/her elector certification for the purpose of nomination online.

• The number of persons to accompany candidates for submission of Nomination is restricted to two (2). (This is in supersession of existing Para 5.8.1 of Returning Officer’s Handbook 2019)
• The number of vehicles for the purposes of nomination is restricted to two (2). (This is in supersession of existing Para 5.8.1 of Returning Officer’s Handbook 2019)
• Returning Officer’s chamber should have sufficient space to perform the functions of nomination, scrutiny, and symbol allocation following social distancing norms.

• Returning Officer should allot staggered time in advance to prospective candidates.
• A large space for waiting for the candidate(s) should be arranged.
• All steps required to be taken for the submission of nomination form and affidavit shall continue to operate as per the provisions contained in the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

CLICK HERE: Guidelines for Conduct of General Election_Bye election during COVID-19 (1)

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