New Delhi: Considering the surge in COVID-19 positive cases in the country, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday banned victory procession after counting of votes for elections to different state assemblies on May 2.
In an official order to chief electoral officers of states and Union Territories, the Election Commission has stated that it has considered their views and suggestions on election campaign and public meetings.
The Commission has fixed the counting of votes for General Elections to legislative Assemblies of West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry along with by elections in different states on May 2.
The order said in view of surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Commission has decided to make more stringent provisions to be followed during the process of counting of votes.
As per the new guidelines, no victory procession is allowed after counting of the votes.
It has also directed that not more than 2 persons will be allowed to accompany the winning candidates or his/her representative person to receive the certificate of election from the Returning Officer.
