SEC asks all parties and candidates to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines for municipal corp poll

Kolkata: The West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) on Saturday asked to all political parties and their candidates to adhere to its COVID-19 guidelines for the coming election to four municipal corporations in the state and avoid large gatherings in view of the surge in coronavirus.

The candidates can instead use digital platforms or social media for campaigning for the civic polls, an official of the SEC said.

The SEC has issued guidelines prescribing COVID safe arrangements at different stages of the election process, including those at polling stations, for the election officials.

"The SEC has reiterated strict compliance to the safety norms. Action will be taken under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 against cadidates in case of any violation," the official said.

The SEC may even cancel the permission given to the candidates to hold campaigns in case of any violation, he said.

Poll to four municipal corporations Siliguri, Chandannagar, Bidhannagar and Asansol will be held on January 22.