Election Commission announces five state polls: Election in 7 phases, new Covid protocols and more

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra on Saturday announced the schedule for elections to Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Punjab. Here are highlights of the announcement: 

* Our duty is to see how to conduct elections that protect both the voters and vote.

* 3 broad objectives: Covid-safe election, hassle-free experience for voters and maximum voter experience.

* A lot of advance planning and preparation has been done.

* All views and opinions were taken into consideration.

* Special emphasis on registration of new voters. 8.55 crore are women electors.

* Women participation has increased considerably. 

* 11.4 lakh first time women voters across five states.

* There will be 24.9 lakh first-time voters in Election 2022.

* Number of voters at a booth reduced to 1250 from 1500. A total of 30,300 more polling stations are to be added.

* Mandatory publicity of criminal antecedents. Mandatory for parties to upload on their website, details of candidates.

* Parties have to give reasons why they are giving tickets to those with criminal antecedents. Winnability is not a reason.

* The limit on expenditure is Rs 40 lakh for UP, Punjab and Uttarakhand; Rs 28 lakh for Goa and Manipur.

* Model Code of Conduct comes into force immediately.

* New protocols have been put in place for conducting a safe election.

* We should have faith that we can pass through this pandemic phase too.

* Decision was taken after much deliberations and analysis. 

* All election officials will be doubly vaccinated. They will be treated as frontline workers. They will be given a precautionary dose.

* Chief Secretaries told to vaccinate people at the earliest and step up campaign in this regard. 

* Polling time has been increased in all five election-bound states by one hour.

* EC has decided to increase broadcast time for parties during the campaign phase.

* Political parties are advised to conduct their campaign as much as possible through digital and virtual mode.

* No padyatra, roadshow or processions allowed till January 15.

* No physical rallies and roadshows to be allowed till January 15. EC will review the situation and update.

* No victory procession shall be allowed after the election.

* Door to door campaign can have not more than 5 people.

* Covid protocols are restrictive in nature.

* No roadside sabhas or meetings will be allowed.

* All parties and candidates have to ensure they do not air hate speech.

* All states to be completed in 7 phases.

The schedule for five-state assembly elections:

Phase 1 Dates (UP)
Notification: Jan 14
Scrutiny of nominations: Jan 24
Withdrawal of candidature: Jan 27
Date of Poll: Feb 10

Phase 2 Dates (UP, Goa, Punjab and Uttarakhand)
Notification: Jan 21
Scrutiny of nominations: Jan 28
Withdrawal of candidature: Jan 31
Date of Poll: Feb 14

Phase 3 Dates (UP)
Notification: Jan 25
Scrutiny of nominations: 1 Feb
Withdrawal of candidature: 4 Feb
Date of Poll: Feb 20

Phase 4 Dates (UP)
Notification: Jan 27
Scrutiny of nominations: Feb 4
Withdrawal of candidature: Feb 7
Date of Poll: Feb 23

Phase 5 Dates (UP, Manipur)
Notification: Feb 1
Scrutiny of nominations: Feb 9
Withdrawal of candidature: Feb 11
Date of Poll: Feb 27

Phase 6 Dates (UP, Manipur)
Notification: Feb 4
Scrutiny of nominations: Feb 14
Withdrawal of candidature: Feb 16
Date of Poll: March 3

Phase 7 Dates (UP)
Notification: Feb 10
Scrutiny of nominations: Feb 18
Withdrawal of candidature: Feb 21
Date of Poll: March 7

Date of Counting: March 10, 2022