20 poll observers deputed for vote counting replaced

Thiruvananthapuram: Election commission of India (ECI) replaced 20 observers who were originally deputed for counting in the state, courtesy the pandemic. The 20 observers, who were supposed to report for duty in state, had either tested positive for Covid-19 or moved into quarantine due to their exposure or close interaction with those who had tested positive for Covid.
Since there was an existing reserve pool of officers, they were deputed for duty as required. The state had also requested ECI for additional observers in the reserve pool to be deputed for the counting on Sunday. ECI has now assigned a new set of observers for the reserve pool in Kerala from Delhi, Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and other states. It is learnt that the list includes IAS, IFS officers and also those from the respective state service.
Counting of votes can be undertaken only in the presence of counting observers. The total number of counting observers in the state this time is 140 for general elections and one for the byelection to Malappuram Lok Sabha constituency along with the reserve pool. As per ECI directive, all observers were told to undergo RT-PCR test before starting their duty.
ECI had instructed all states to ensure that those who have been appointed as election observers to Kerala for counting on May 2, should adhere to Covid-19 protocol for travellers to the state. This included having an RT-PCR negative certificate.
The instruction was given in the wake of the state government’s order that anyone coming to Kerala from outside should undergo an RT-PCR test mandatorily, failing which they will have to go on quarantine for 14 days. Chief electoral officer Teeka Ram Meena had written to ECI about the state government’s policy for inbound travellers to state.
As per the latest protocol for the travellers to Kerala, they should register their names at e-Jagratha portal. All domestic travellers, irrespective of their vaccination status, should undergo an RT-PCR test either 48 hours prior to entering the state or immediately after entering the state.
If the RT-PCR test is negative, the patient should follow other Covid-19 protocols like using masks and ensure social distancing during their stay. Those who do not undergo RT-PCR test, will have to remain in room isolation for 14 days from the date of entry to the state and should remain on self-observation.