- Statements like the pandemic induced disruptions are humongous on the global platforms especially the economy will not enthuse many since the people by now are gearing up to look beyond the virus. Many countries are making efforts to move ahead irrespective of whether the ‘curve is plateaued out’ or ‘flattening the curve’ is achieved or in the process of taming the virus finally. Few countries can lay claim for having succeeded in containing the menace. Many are struggling for sure is stating the obvious.
PC: times of India
- As has been quoted consistently, we are left with no option but learn to live with the virus is finally taking definite shape as countries shrug-off rustiness and idleness brought about upon us by successive lockdown measures. Amidst battling out the virus, normalcy must return under the changed scenario kicking off business as usual activities from all fronts. Democratic processes too demand to pump in vital oxygen by means of conducting elections as and when the due dates approach.
- In the context of our country’s electoral necessities, the next big election is scheduled to come up in Bihar, due in October-November, amid surging infection rate in the Hindi heartland state. It would be interesting to note whether the Election Commission decides to conduct the polls as per the due schedule or does it pay heed to growing chorus to postpone the elections. Though the incumbent Chief Minister is quite vocal in insisting the elections be conducted on schedule without resorting to a postponement.
PC: Economic Times
- Prudence stresses the fact that the destructive effects of a pandemic should be given due consideration rather than basing the crucial decision on political calculations alone. Extensive campaigning is undertaken viz. rallies, door-to-door reach-outs, addressing supporters during congregations marking a typical electioneering mechanism in our country. Such conventional methodology is not an option anymore as it directly contradicts the mandatory social distancing norms to keep the virus at bay.
- Alternatively, major political parties are equipped adequately in utilizing the power and reach of digital platforms like social media to the great advantage and hence might not be found wanting in keeping the people abreast of their developmental agenda. As has been the case elsewhere, online platforms have come to the rescue in various ways in the absence of physical exchanges and hence, should be tried out encouraging election campaigning using the said platform which is less expensive and dangerous as well.
PC: Saturday evening post
- However, physical polling could be undertaken by extensively following the social distancing norms which should not pose much of a challenge if the planning is chalked out effectively. The election commission has a task at hand, but a postponement of election should not be considered as an option. Let’s wait and watch.
