The State Election Commission issued guidelines for the forthcoming Zilla Panchayat elections on Saturday allowing Covid-positive voters to cast their ballot wearing PPE kits. For now, there are around 1,300 active Covid patients who are undergoing treatment at hospitals and residences. They can exercise their franchise on Saturday, but the question is how safe is this move for others who could come in contact with the positive patients, including polling officers and staff?
The Election Commission may have followed voting parameters tried in other elections across the nation, including Bihar, and given a window for Covid positive patients armed with PPE kits. However, the challenges thrown in Goa are relatively different, and much will depend on the enforcement and logistical support provided. The question is whether the Covid-positive patient will go through a green channel and whether SEC will equip staff involved during the critical time-slot with the PPE kits.
The SEC has reposed faith on the government machinery to deliver and enforce protocol, but the concern is over possible lapses during this exercise that could be catastrophic. Given the logistical issues of travel, and risks of contacts at the booths, the State government should have impressed upon the election commission to work out alternative ways of voting for Covid patients.
There are concerns that the SEC may falter in its bounden duties while engaging Covid patients, given the fact that it has failed to rein in the discipline in the run-up to elections. Much against the backdrop of the virus scare, the officials have remained muted spectators to code violations. Parties and candidates are campaigning through the day and night, holding meetings and flouting all election and Covid rules. Given the sensitivity and timing of the election, the State Election Commission should have set a precedent by cracking the whip on violations. There should have been a tight round-the-clock vigil so that SOPs are followed in the true spirit of elections. What is now witnessed is a free-for-all situation.
On Thursday, December 10, 2020, GMC Dean Shivanand Bandekar revealed that 100 Covid-19 positive cases are reported due to a single marriage function. He cautioned against lowering guard and appealed to people to adhere to SOPs. The crux of the matter is about maintaining discipline in all situations, whether it is a wedding or an election. On this count, vocal political leaders and parties who have been preaching pandemic rules have set a bad example by violating norms, and the ire is always directed only towards the common man.
The SEC has not stepped up poll awareness, neither has it given clarity on the finer details of the arrangement during the critical phase where Covid patients are going to vote. The health minister feigned ignorance and indicated that he was not consulted. Amid an air of uncertainty and fear, much was expected from the SEC.
