EC announces Dates for Assembly Elections in UP, Punjab, Goa, U'khand & Manipur

On Saturday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for polls in the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Elections will be conducted in seven phases in five states. Voting will take place in UP in 7 phases from February 10 to March 7. The model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect in relation to the upcoming general elections 2022 for five states including Manipur. 

Out of 5 electoral states, BJP is in power in 4 states including Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The term of the present Uttar Pradesh assembly ends in May, while the term of the other four assemblies ends in March on different dates. The EC also laid down various Covid-19 protocols that will be followed as India is witnessing a huge spike in cases due to the Omicron variant. The contesting candidates will be given the option of online nomination.

Law and Order during Elections

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said, "basic preparations were taken to ensure Covid-safe election, hassle-free voter experience, and maximum voters participation. The commission visited poll-bound states to review preparations and has been working to ensure Covid-free elections. We also held meetings with health officials of the states which are going to polls." 

Schedule of Assembly Elections in 5 states 

As per the Election Commission, voting in Uttar Pradesh will take place in 7 phases from February 10 to March 7. In Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa the polling will take place on February 14 and in Manipur on February 27 and March 3. The counting of votes will be done on March 10. 

Voting will end on March 7, while the counting of votes will take place on March 10, 2022. The first phase of UP will start from February 10, 2022. 

No road shows, no yatras, no processions will be allowed till Jan 15, 2022, said the Election Commission. Further, the Election Commission said that no rally or public meeting will be allowed between 8 am to 8 pm. 

Covid positivity rate in polling states

Uttar Pradesh: .24%

Uttarakhand: 1.01%

Punjab: 2.1%

Manipur: 1.1%

Goa: 13%