CPI against by-polls amid pandemic
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27 2020: The Communist Party of India has denounced plans to conduct by-elections in the State amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A State executive meeting of the party was held today morning and it was decided to oppose the by-elections which is likely to be held later this year, said a statement of the Manipur State Council, CPI.

Stating that the State is witnessing daily spike in the number of new COVID-19 cases, the MSC CPI said the BJP-led Government should rather focus on facing the COVID-19 pandemic rather than prepare for the elections.

The party is appalled by the recent statement of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, in which he stated that the BJP is ready for the by-polls.

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected thousands all over the State.

Holding the by-elections amid the pandemic may put lives at risk.

The Government should rather focus on containing the COVID-19 spread, said the party.

Even though elections are vital for democracy and withholding it may contradict the rules of democracy, public health and lives are more important and as such the Government and all authorities concerned should consider postponing the by-elections till the situation improves, added the party.

It may be noted that 13 seats in the State Legislative Assembly are lying vacant at present and the Election Commission is yet to decide the dates for the by-elections to the seats.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh had recently said that the by-elections may be held along with Bihar elections if the Election Commission gives the go ahead.

It may be noted here that more than 1000 number of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) and VVPAT (Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail) had reached the State for use in by-elections in late July.

Meanwhile, the Assembly elections in Bihar are due in October-November and the Election Commission has not yet taken a final call on poll dates due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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