By Team BiharConnect

The Election Commission of India has sought views and suggestions from political parties on conducting election during Covid pandemic as dates for the Bihar state assembly election nears.

In a letter addressed to the President or General Secretary of the recognised national and state parties, the Election Commission of India has requested the views and suggestions by 31st July 2020. Views and suggestions are sought on election campaign and public meetings in the situation of Covid-19 pandemic.

“You are aware that some by-elections, and general assembly elections of Bihar are due in 2020. The Commission has desired to seek the views of the Political Parties,” said the letter signed by N. T. Bhutia, Secretary, Election Commission of India.

“Accordingly, you are requested to kindly send your views and suggestions latest by 31st July, 2020 so that necessary guidelines my be firmed up for the election campaign by candidates or Political parties for the conduct of election during pandemic period,” it said.

Meanwhile, opposition parties from Bihar have submitted a joint memorandum to the Election Commission expressing concern over the conduct of election during the Covid pandemic. The joint memoradum has been signed by nine political parties including the main opposition party in Bihar Assembly Rashtriya Janata Dal. Congress Party, CPI, CPI (ML), CPM, Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Samta Party, Jitan Ram Manjhi-led Hindustani Awam Morcha, Mukesh Sahani-led Vikassheel Insaan Party, and Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD).

These parties have raised concern over the virtual campaigning saying more than half of the voters don’t have smartphones and would be left out of the campaign process.