EC relaxes poll curbs further, allows meeting, rallies with 50% capacity
New Delhi, February 22: As the number of Covid-19 cases decline across the country, the Election Commission on Tuesday lifted restrictions on poll campaigning.
According to the revised guidelines by EC, political parties and candidates are permitted to hold meetings, rallies and roadshows with 50 percent capacity of space subjected to SDMA regulations.
The parties or candidates however have to take prior permission of district authorities before organising such events.
"Other existing provisions related to electioneering shall continue to operate," stated the Election Commission on late Tuesday.
The decision comes after the EC took a review of the Covid-19 situation in the country.
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Earlier on Sunday, the poll body has announced more relaxations in its Covid-19 guidelines and raised the maximum limit for star campaigners to 40 from 30 for recognised national and state parties and to 20 from 15 for the rest of them.
Political parties have until 5 p.m. on February 23 to submit the names of their additional star campaigners, according to the poll panel. As the fourth phase of campaigning ended on Monday, the new star campaigners will be able to begin campaigning in the fifth phase.
The latest relaxation of Covid restrictions comes amid a decline in the number of infections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where polling is underway, and Manipur, where elections are yet to begin. In addition, restrictions imposed in the wake of the third wave's outbreak are gradually being lifted.
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-PTC News
