the goan I network
MARGAO
The State Election Commission might have already put in place dos and don’ts for candidates contesting the March 22 Zilla Panchayat polls with the election code of conduct in force.
As the contesting candidates are all bracing up to kick off their election campaign, with supporters in groups to move door-to-door to drum up support for their candidature, questions are raised whether the State Election Commission will come up with basic don’ts in view of the coronavirus scare.
State Election Commissioner R K Srivastava was not available for comment, but Commission Secretary Melvyn Vaz said the Commission will certainly dwell at length on the mode of campaigning by candidates in the wake of the Centre’s advisory to avoid mass gatherings as a matter of abundant precautions. “The State Election Commission has not given a thought to the coronavirus scare. Certainly, the matter will be discussed by the Commission after the Commissioner resumes office on Monday,” Vaz said.
He pointed out that even if the candidates adopt basic precautionary measures such as wearing masks during the election campaign, it will go a long way in ensuring the safety of the people.
With the last date of withdrawal scheduled on Saturday, contesting candidates are all expected to kick off their election campaign at least from Sunday, though some of the candidates have already hit the campaign in their respective areas.
Door-to-door campaign and corner meetings are part and parcel of the election campaign of contesting candidates for the Zilla Panchayat election. Against this backdrop and in the light of the Centre’s advisory to avoid mass gatherings, sources
say candidates should be made liable to adopt precautionary measures during the campaign.
“The candidates along with their supporters, sometimes in groups numbering 20-50 move house to house to drum up support for their candidature. During their visits, they distribute copies of their election manifestos and symbols to each and every voter. Certainly, the candidates should adopt the necessary precautions,” an official said.
City-based doctor and Chairman of the Hospicio Visiting Committee, Dr Venkatesh Hegde said all the contesting candidates and their supporters should adopt the precautions prescribed by the health authorities. “The candidates can wear masks while moving door-to-door or avoid direct contact with the voters,” Dr Hegde added.
