Meeting held in view of violation of Covid protocols during election campaign

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 19, 2021

In view of the reports published by the section of media on violation of Covid Protocols during Election campaign, the District Election Officer, West Garo Hills, Tura in the presence of the General Observer to the By-Election of 47-Rajabala (Gen) Legislative Assembly Constituency had called for an emergent meeting with the party functionaries at DRDA Hall, Tura today evening.

Taking cognizance of the reported violation of Covid-19 Protocols during the By-Election Campaign and  on received of the instructions from the State Chief Electoral Officer, the District Election Officer, West Garo Hills Ram Singh said that as mandated by the ECI, all political parties including the contesting candidates as well as the supporters are duty bound to strictly adhere to  all the given Covid protocols during the campaign adding that there is the Broad Guidelines available in this regard as to how to conduct the Elections in this covid pandemic times. Therefore, the District Election Officer had again reminded all the party functionaries to adhere to the guidelines strictly and maintain Covid-19 protocols especially while organizing outdoor campaigns.

Stressing on few points, he said that 50 % is allowed for public gathering or rallies subject to adherence to protocols like wearing of face mask, maintaining distance, etc and maximum of 1000 persons only in case of star campaigners. Moreover, the ground for public gathering should have barricades especially for star campaigners and only 5 persons are allowed for door to door campaigns while road shows are not allowed. He also mentioned that the candidates or campaigners are advised to wear face masks, follow covid-19 protocols during the campaign and organizers also should request the public to the same. He further reminded that the timing for the campaign needs to be followed strictly, which is till 7 PM only.

Meanwhile, the General Observer for the By-Election of 47-Rajabala (Gen) LAC Sandesh Nayak had also appealed to everyone to follow the rules and regulation including Covid-19 protocols as laid in the Broad Guidelines for the smooth conduct of the elections in the district.