The Election Commission on Tuesday rejected all demands made by Bihar’s political parties to postpone the Assembly elections in the state and said that the polls would be held on time. Earlier, parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) had urged the body to not hold elections as it would put lives of lakhs of people at risk due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The poll body has sent proposals to minimise contact in all suggested areas and has allowed postal ballot voting for those above 65 years of age or those under institutional or home quarantine. On 5 July, Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer had sent several proposals to the Election Commission of India to ensure that voters adhere to social distancing norms during the elections. He also recommended use of toothpicks for voting over wearing of khadi gloves inside a polling booth. “There are at least three places inside the polling booth where physical contact could happen with voters. First, when the voter signs or puts a thumb impression in the voter register. Second, when the indelible ink is put on finger, and third, when the voter casts a vote,” he said.
In the meantime, the Bihar Assembly elections will also need 45 percent more polling booths as compared to the 2015 Assembly polls to ensure social distancing during voting. The tenure of the current Assembly in the state will end on 29 November. President’s Rule will be imposed if the election process is not completed by 28 November in the state.