The Election Commission of India recently announced the election dates of five states. They are Punjab, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur and Uttarakhand.

About the announcement

The Assembly Elections 2022 in these states are to be held in seven phases. In Uttar Pradesh, the elections are to be held in seven phases. In Manipur, it is to be held in two phases. In Goa, Uttarakhand and Punjab, the assembly elections are to be held in single phase.

Dates

• UP: February 10
• Goa, Uttarakhad and Punjab: February 14
• Manipur: February 27

The vote counting is to begin on March 10.

Parties in Power

BJP is in power in all the five states except Punjab. The Congress party is in power in Punjab.

Safety Measures

The Election Commission has taken enough measures to conduct the election safely. Physical rallies have been banned until January 15, 2022 due to the Omicron wave spreading in the country. Safety measures at the polling booth are to be implemented as prescribed by the ECI. Also, COVID safety measures framed for voters. The frontline workers will receive third dose vaccine. Around 95% of voters in Goa are vaccinated. 82% in Uttarakhand, 45% in Manipur and 52% in UP have been vaccinated. Also the rules and guidelines issued by the respective State Disaster Management Authority would apply