Poll amid pandemic

Faced with the daunting task of conducting elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Election Commission (EC) has shown resolve by announcing guidelines for exercising the franchise in Bihar later this year. The decision is in keeping with the general sentiment that has favoured the gradual restoration of normalcy. With economic activity picking up pace, it is only natural for the political process to gain momentum in a democratic setup. Preparations are already afoot to convene a session of Parliament, while Punjab and Haryana have decided to hold an Assembly session to meet the constitutional requirement. In Rajasthan, a House session had to be called to test the floor strength of the Ashok Gehlot-led government. Neighbouring Sri Lanka has conducted parliamentary elections successfully, even as the US gets ready for the presidential poll in November despite the enormity of the pandemic.

The EC has indicated that it wants the poll process to be inclusive. Those in quarantine will also be allowed to vote during the last hour of polling and the use of postal ballot is expected to be liberal. There will be separate guidelines for containment zones. The arrangements will mean that the electoral exercise may prove to be expensive. More polling booths and counting centres will be set up to meet social distancing norms. Meticulous rehearsal to fine-tune the preparations and a proportionate deployment of security forces will be called for as Bihar has seen poll-related violence in the past. Provision for health insurance of those on duty has been made in view of their vulnerability.

Political parties in Bihar have been disinclined to the holding of polls amid the pandemic and protested against the BJP’s virtual rallies on the ground that it deprives them of a level playing field. But after the long confinement due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the elections will spur the politicians to go out and connect with the masses. A successful conduct of the polls may provide a blueprint for the future and also serve to strengthen democracy in the face of adversity.

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