PANAJI
The State Election Commission has given its nod for continuing with the ongoing Covid vaccination but in an apolitical manner in municipal areas which goes for voting today (April 23). Earlier the permission for vaccination programme was only till April 21, 5 pm.
The Directorate of Health Services requested the SEC to grant it the permission for continuing with the Covid vaccination programme from 22-04-2021, which found favour with the election body.
The Commission has granted the permission on a condition that, there shall not be any political patronage at the venue of Covid vaccination programme and there should not be any advertisement showcasing the achievements of any candidate or any political functionaries/political parties and no impression should be given or allowed to be created that such welfare measures or works are being undertaken by the Government to influence the voters.
The Commission said it would monitor the vaccination programme. As there are restrictions on distribution of leaflets or banners or appeals in social media of any programme by the candidates or party functionaries, the Commission has instructed both the District Collectors and Municipal Council Election Officer/ Returning Officers of all municipal areas and general observers to report any violations on the Covid vaccination programme.
The Commission has warned of suspending the vaccination programme if violation of guidelines are reported.
