ECI clarifies on Covid SOP for counting: Lab report or vaccine shot must for polling officials


The electoral commission issued a clarification on the Covid SOP for counting agents and election officials, saying it would accept authorized laboratory reports or vaccination certificates until 8 a.m. on May 2.

Photo for illustration

The Trinamool Congress has stated that the Indian Electoral Commission (ECI) decision to collect negative Covid-19 reports from counters and electoral officials within 48 hours of the start of the counting process is contrary to the protocol as it would mean that the report would do so can be submitted until May 4th.

However, the EBI has made it clear that the RTPCR / RAT report from an authorized laboratory will be accepted within the 48 hour period, ie from 8am on April 30th to 8am on May 2nd.

The guidelines also mentioned that the certificates of both Covid-19 vaccine shots must be presented, even if there is no negative report.

Every employee and counting officer must wear a mask, disinfectant, face protection and gloves for the entire duration of the counting process.

The district election officer will be the Nodal Officer, who will ensure that the Covid-19 norms are strictly adhered to. Only then does the vote count begin.

The Election Commission released the guidelines after being reprimanded by Madras High Court on the matter.

Madras High Court on Monday convicted the Indian Electoral Commission for allowing political rallies amid a deadly second wave of Covid-19.

“The European Commission is uniquely responsible for the second wave of Covid-19 by not preventing political parties from holding election campaigns,” Madras HC Chief Justice Sanjib Bannerjee said on Monday as he reprimanded the electoral authority .

The Madras HC also noted that the electoral commission officials should be booked for murder.

Also read: Campaigners: Officials in the electoral service defy opportunities to ensure a peaceful vote

Also read: Madras HC blames the election commission for the 2nd wave of Covid, says officials should be booked for murder


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