SEC permits public meetings

Decline in number of new COVID-19 cases is the reason

Close on the heels of the decline in the number of fresh cases of COVID 19, the district administration has relaxed the restrictions on campaigning for the urban local bodies elections.

The State Election Commission had banned rallies and public meetings until February 11 in view of the rise in the number of cases. In accordance with the directions, candidates and political parties were not permitted to organise public meetings. They were allowed to conduct indoor meetings with the maximum participation of 100 members. However, considering the decline in the number of new cases over the last few days, the SEC is said to have permitted the parties to organise meetings.

Collector S. Sivarasu said that the restrictions on organising open public meetings had been withdrawn. They could organise meetings with the participation of 1,000 spectators. As far as indoor meetings were concerned, 50 % of seats could be occupied. The parties had to get permission from the concerned election officials for organising campaign meetings.