The Election Commission took a periodic review of the status of COVID in the country and specially in the poll bound States. As per updated information received from the Union Health Secretary, the COVID cases have already declined significantly (3.47 Lakh on 21st January, 2022 to just about 13.4 thousand as on today) and have come to a minimal level in the country. Even in the reported cases, the maximum number of cases are from non-poll going States. Specially in the Poll going States of Uttar Pradesh and Manipur, total number of cases which were more than 16.7 thousand at peak on 22nd January, 2022 have come down to just about 500 cases on 22nd February, 2022.
Considering the fact that the number of COVID cases have become very small in the poll bound States, the Commission, taking into account the need of the political parties and candidates, further relaxes the restrictions on campaigning with the immediate effect in the following manner:
1. Now the Commission has allowed the Political parties/candidates to hold their meetings and rallies subject to SDMA regulations. Restriction of using only 50 percent capacity of space has been relaxed.
2. Commission has also allowed Road Shows subject to SDMA regulations and with prior permission of district authorities.
All other existing provisions related to electioneering shall continue to operate.
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