Page 101 - Conducting Elections during COVID-19

INDIA 83

Annexure - I

Chronology
06.03.2020 : Notification for Biennial Elections to 55 seats in Council of States in 18 States.

18.03.2020 : 37 seats declared uncontested in 11 States
26.03.2020 : Scheduled Poll day for 18 seats in 7 States.

22.03.2020 : ‘Janta Curfew’ to contain COVID-19
24.03.2020 : ECI deferred the Poll of 26.03.2020 under Sec 153 of R.P. Act, 1951
24.03.2020(mid-night) : Lockdown to contain COVID-19 started

03.04.2020 : ECI further deferred the Poll 2020 under Article 324, as the term of these
seats was ending in April, 2020.

01.06.2020 : ECI reviewed the matter and rescheduled the Poll day as 19.06.2020. 6
seats from 3 States were added, of which, 2 States covering 5 seats returned
“uncontested” elections.
19.06.2020 : Rescheduled Poll day for 19 seats in 8 States. Out of 984 eligible electors, 976
electors voted. Result declared in the night.

Annexure - II

1. Separate polling arrangement are being made for suspected/ confirmed COVID-19 cases
amongst electors, either by asking them to vote after all others have exercised their franchise in
the same Polling Station or, in a separate polling booth.
2. All Chief Secretaries have directed the respective Medical & Health Department to make
arrangements for requirements such as Masks, Gloves, Sanitizers, Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE), thermal scanners and other required material/ equipment.

3. Sanitized vehicles will be available to use for the purpose of transportation of voters, who are
either in the Hospitals, Quarantine centers or, under home Quarantine by the Returning Officer in
consultation with Nodal Officer specifically appointed by the Health Department.
4. Each MLA/Voter will be tested with Thermal Scanner immediately after he/ she enters into
polling area premises.
5. After Thermal Scanning, each MLA/Voter will be provided with Sanitizer, Mask and Gloves.

6. Provision for training of stand by Polling teams and Counting Teams to deal with any exigency.