As Covid fades, EC relaxes limits on rallies and roadshows

On Tuesday, the Election Commission overturned the ban on rallies and roadshows that had been in place to combat the spread of Covid-19. In a series of relaxations announced earlier this month, the polling body allowed 50% attendance.

In a statement, the EC says, “Today, the Election Commission took a periodic review of the status of Covid-19 in the country and specially in the poll-bound states. As per the updated information received from the Union Health Secretary, the Covid-19 cases have already declined significantly (3.47 lakh on 21 January 2022 to just about 13.400 as on Tuesday) and come to a minimal level in the country.”

It further said, “Even in the reported cases, the maximum number of infections are from non poll-going states. Specially in the poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, the total number of cases, which was more than 16,700 at the peak on 22 January 2022, has come down to just about 500 cases on 22 February 2022.”

The commission also authorized political parties and candidates to hold meetings and rallies that were subject to SDMA laws, removing the previous restriction of using just half of the available space.

Last week, the Election Commission allowed political parties and candidates to campaign between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., as long as they followed Covid-19 guidelines. It had also stated earlier this month that the restriction on physical rallies and roadshows would stay in effect in poll-bound states, but that physical public meetings in indoor halls and outdoor gatherings would be given more leeway.

Campaigning is underway in Manipur for the two-phase assembly elections, as well as in Uttar Pradesh for phases 5, 6, and 7.

What Are the New Regulations:

• The Commission has now granted political parties and candidates permission to hold meetings and rallies that are subject to SDMA regulations.
• The restriction of only employing half of a space's capacity has been lifted.
• Road Shows are also permitted by the Commission, subject to SDMA norms and district authority approval.