Election Commission Bans Public Rallies, Road Shows Till Feb 11

The Election Commission has extended the ban on the public rallies and road shows during the upcoming state Assembly elections in five states amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The ban will now remain in place till February 11.

The commission also extended the existing ban on cycle, bike or other vehicle rallies and processions.

The Election Commission, however, relaxed the number of people permitted at a physical public meeting and door-to-door campaign. As per the new guidelines of EC, instead of 10 people, 20 people can now be present during the door-to-door campaign. The limit excludes security personnel.

The poll body further stated that precautions must continue to be observed to avoid spurt in infections.

The commission has now granted relaxation for the political parties to the extent that indoor meetings of a maximum of 500 persons, instead of existing 300 persons, or 50 per cent of the capacity of the hall or the prescribed limit set by the state disaster management authority is allowed.

Political parties and contesting candidates shall ensure the compliance of Covid appropriate behaviour and guidelines and model code of conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with elections, the EC notification said on Monday.