Guidelines to conduct general and bye-elections during COVID-19 period were issued by the Election Commission of India after considering suggestions from political parties. The poll panel had on Tuesday said that it will frame broad guidelines to hold general and bye-elections during COVID-19 pandemic, taking into account the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare guidelines. The Election Commission of India said all basic protocols set by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Health shall be stringently followed during the election process. To hold elections during the pandemic, the Election Commission has revised the norms of the number of persons accompanying the candidate and number of vehicles at the time of nomination. For the first time, the candidates will have the option to deposit security amount for contesting the elections online, the poll panel said.

Source: dna August 21, 2020 14:48 UTC