EC seeks parties’ views on social distancing for Bihar poll campaign

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has sought the views and suggestions of all political parties on precautionary measures to be taken by candidates and parties while campaigning for the Bihar assembly poll and other bye-elections due this year, amid Covid-19 threat.
“You are requested to kindly send your views and suggestions latest by July 31, 2020, so that necessary guidelines may be firmed up for the election campaign by candidates and political parties for the conduct of election during pandemic period,” EC said in a letter sent to the presidents or general secretaries of all recognised national and state parties on Friday.
The precautionary measures, EC elaborated, include compulsory wearing of face mask in public places, maintaining a minimum prescribed social distance in public places, restrictions on large public gatherings and congregations, thermal scanning at the place of gathering and sanitisation of premises of such gathering. Some of these measures are part of home ministry guidelines and directives to control the spread of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, EC on Friday held a video-conferencing with the representatives of 9 opposition parties in Bihar, during which they are said to have opposed any move to limit the campaign to virtual mode, arguing that the huge expenditure it entails shall put the cash-rich and ruling parties at an unfair advantage. The Commission reassured them that there was no order or direction from it to keep the campaign only “virtual”.
Some parties suggested that the voters per polling station be limited further to 250 as compared to 1,000 decided by EC. EC pointed to the logistical challenges even with 1,000 voters per polling station. Excessive use of muscle power was also raised by some members. The parties also thanked the EC for deciding against allowing postal ballot facility to voters above 65 years.
With the home ministry guidelines continuing to ban large political events and congregations in view of Covid-19, there is talk of political parties having to rely largely on digital and electronic media for virtual campaigning in Bihar. However, several parties like RJD, BSP, CPM, CPI, NCP, have opposed restricting campaigning to digital mode. JD(U) has sought a mix of door-to-door campaign by candidates and digital publicity.