@the_news_21
In the poll-bound West Bengal, all the necessary preparations are being finalised for the Seventh Phase polling of Assembly Elections on Monday. The polling will be conducted from 7.00 A.M. to 6.30 P.M. The Election Commission has decided to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) along with Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) at every Polling Station, with a view to enhance the transparency and credibility of the election process, as VVPAT allows the voter to verify his/her vote. The arrangements have already been made to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs for the smooth conduct of elections.
In view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the Election Commission has decided to allow maximum 1,000 electors in a Polling Station instead of earlier stipulation of 1,500 electors. Option of Postal Ballot facility has been extended to the electors who are COVID- 19 positive or suspect as certified by competent authority and are in home or institutional quarantine along with those marked as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and above the age of 80 years. It will be ensured that every Polling Station is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, waiting shed, toilet with water facility, adequate arrangements for lighting, ramp of appropriate gradient for the Persons with Disabilities. The special facilities will include mandatory sanitization of Polling Station, thermal checking of voters at entry point either by polling staff or paramedical staff or an Asha worker. If temperature is above the set norms of Health Ministry, then the elector will be provided with token and asked to come for voting at the last hour of poll. At the last hour of poll, such electors will be facilitated for voting, strictly following COVID-19 related preventive measures.
The high-profile electioneering campaign for the Seventh Phase of Assembly Elections concluded last evening on a subdued note. In view of rising cases of COVID-19, the Election Commission prohibited any road shows, Pad-Yatras and vehicle rallies in light of non-adherence to the COVID protocols by many political parties. In an order issued on Thursday, the Central Poll body said that public meetings beyond the limit of 500 persons will not be allowed in the state. The new provisions will be in place till the conclusion of the ongoing polls.
Taking strong cognisance of the non-adherence of COVID protocols during campaigning by several political parties, the Commission reiterated its direction to all the political parties to strictly adhere to the COVID protocols in all the future rallies in the state. Earlier, the poll body decided to curtail the campaign timing for the remaining phases of eight-phase Assembly Elections. The Commission banned campaigning from 7 P.M. to 10 A.M. on all days, when it is allowed. It also extended the Silence Period from 48 hours to 72 hours before polling for the remaining phases and as a result, the campaign ended last evening.
