The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued in view of the covid-19 transition for the pending Panchayat and Municipal Bodies elections in the state. In the guidelines issued by the State Election Commission, apart from the office bearers engaged in the election work, the standard has also been set for the candidates. During the election campaign, the guidelines issued by the Central and State governments regarding the Covid-19 transition will have to be fully followed.
The door-to-door election campaign shall not consist of a group of more than five persons. Guidelines related to Covid-19 in public meetings or street meetings will be followed completely. Social distancing will be mandatory at every level. Legal action will be taken if the rules are not followed. A kit of sanitiser and gloves will be provided to the members of the polling party.
In the SOP issued by the Election Commission, it has been said that special vigilance should be taken during the voting. Entry of a person to the polling station without wearing a mask will be restricted. The mask can be removed only if there is doubt about the identity of the voter. Voters will be allowed to enter the polling room only after sanitizing their hands. It has been asked to ensure social distance by making circles at a distance of six feet at the polling counter. District magistrates have been directed to depute additional policemen if required.
The medical officer will be appointed as the nodal officer from district to block level. The nodal officers will ensure all necessary measures to prevent Covid-19 infection during the election. The office bearers and personnel associated with the election will be given training following the rules of social distance. A ban has been imposed on the participation of any officer or employee in the election work without a mask.
