Assembly election 2022: Election schedule for 5 states

Elections for five states, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh, were announced by the Election Commission of India on Saturday. The election will be held in seven phases, the first of which will begin on February 10th. On March 10, the votes will be counted.

Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Goa will vote in a single phase on February 14, while UP will vote in seven parts from February 10 to March 7. On the other side, Manipur will vote in two stages on February 27 and March 3.

According to Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa elections will be held. 

Chief Election Commissioner stated, “We aim to conduct Covid-safe elections in five states with maximum voter participation with extensive preparations. All polling stations will be equipped with Covid-mitigation facilities including sanitizers and masks. Also, the number of booths has been increased.”

In light of the Covid situation, no roadshows, padyatras, cycling or bike rallies, or processions are permitted until January 15th. CEC stated that the matter will be evaluated and that new instructions will be issued later.

He also stated that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) takes effect as soon as the schedules are announced. According to the CEC, political parties must post thorough information on their websites about those who have pending criminal proceedings and why they were chosen as poll candidates.