The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for bye-elections in five Assembly constituencies across four states: Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal. Polling for these seats is scheduled for June 19, with the counting of votes set to take place on June 23. These bye-elections have been necessitated due to various reasons, including the deaths and resignations of sitting members.
The announcement sets the stage for political activity in the concerned constituencies as parties gear up to contest these crucial by-elections. The results will not only fill the vacant assembly seats but also provide an indicator of the political mood in these states.
State-wise Breakdown
While the specific constituencies in each state have been identified, the ECI's announcement indicates the geographical distribution of these by-elections.
Key Dates and Procedures
The ECI has outlined a detailed schedule for the bye-elections, ensuring a smooth and transparent process. While the exact dates for the start of nominations, scrutiny, and withdrawal are yet to be announced, the polling date is set for June 19, and the counting of votes will be on June 23.
Model Code of Conduct
With the announcement of the bye-election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into immediate effect in the districts where the constituencies are located. The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI to regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections. It aims to ensure a level playing field and prevent any misuse of official machinery or resources for electoral gains. The MCC will be applicable to all candidates, political parties, and the state governments concerned, and also extends to the Union Government.
Electoral Rolls and Voter Information
The electoral rolls for the constituencies have already been finalized, with January 1, 2021, as the qualifying date. To facilitate voters, the ECI will issue Voter Information Slips (VIS), which will include details such as the polling station, date, and time. However, the VIS will not serve as proof of identity.
COVID-19 Precautions
Given the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the ECI is expected to issue guidelines and protocols to be followed during the election process. These measures will likely include social distancing norms, sanitization of polling stations, and the use of masks and other protective equipment by polling officials and voters. The ECI has previously issued broad guidelines to be followed strictly during the conduct of elections, which are available on the Commission's website.
The upcoming bye-elections in Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab, and West Bengal are significant events that will shape the political landscape of these states. As the election dates draw closer, political parties will intensify their campaigns, and the ECI will work to ensure free, fair, and safe elections.
