January 11
Panchayat Poll In Odisha To Be Held In 5 Phases
State Election Commission (SEC) today announced the schedule for the ensuing Panchayat Polls. As briefed by State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhi, the three-tier panchayat election in state will be held in five phases starting from 16th February. As informed, the elections shall be held on February 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24.
There are a total of 853 Zilla Parishad seats, 91,916 wards and 6,794 panchayats that will go to polls.
People shall exercise their franchise from 7 am to 1 pm.
As said by SEC, this time, centralised counting of votes will take place on February 26, 27 and 28. Over 2.79 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in these elections.
The notification for elections shall be released on January 13 and nomination filing process shall start from 17th January which will continue till 21st January.
Scrutiny of Nominations shall be done on 22nd January, but candidates can withdraw their nominations upto January 25.
Also, final list of candidates contesting the election shall be published on 25th January.
As per the guidelines issued by State Election Commission, no roadshows, padayatra, cycle/bike/vehicle rally or procession shall be allowed during the Panchayat Election.
On the whole, Rallies, public meetings will be banned in view of the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Only digital and virtual campaigning will be allowed.
Door-to-door campaign will be allowed with only five people.
Restrictions have also been imposed on victory processions.
