Odisha CEO announces guidelines for Pipli bypolls

The Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, Sushil Kumar Lohani on Wednesday announce the guidelines of the upcoming byelection to the Pipili Assembly constituency in the State scheduled to be held on April 17.

In the press conference, Lohani said, the number of booths has been increased this year from 271 to 348 to restrict the total number of voters per booth to 1000. This will help in put into effect Covid social distancing protocols in a better manner.

The EVMs and VVPATs have also been increased by one and half times more than what used to be roped in during the elections.

But this time the ECI has made it mandatory for PWDs to produce health certificate before casting a vote

Sanitization of booths, thermal screening of voters, use of masks should be strictly followed

During the last hour of the polling Confirmed positive and suspected cases will be issued tokens and they will be allowed to cast their votes

All poll officials will be treated as frontline Corona warriors and they will be vaccinated on a priority basis.

Activities related to the poll will be carried out in big halls.

To follow the strict execution of Covid- 19 protocols, a nodal officer will be appointed.