Election 2022: EC extends rally ban, with caveat. What new rules say

With the third wave of Covid-19 continuing in many parts of the country, the Election Commission extended the ban on physical rallies and roadshows in five poll-bound states. However, the EC added a caveat for constituencies going to polls in the first and second phases.

The election watchdog has reportedly extended the rally ban till January 31. Certain relaxations have been allowed for the seats voting on February 10 and 14, as per reports. For phase 1, relaxations for public meetings have been allowed from January 28. This reportedly means that candidates will be able to do public meetings in designated open spaces with up to 500 people or 50% of the ground capacity or as per state rules. For the second phase, relaxations will be allowed from February 1.

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For door-to-door campaigning, the limit of 5 people has been raised to 10, excluding security personnel, as per reports.

The move came after the EC held a meeting with the Union Health Secretary and Chief Health Secretaries of the states heading for elections. These include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa.

Voting begins on February 10. Results will be announced on March 10.