News Desk: Amidst the COVID-19, Meghalaya state has already started the preparation of Rajya Sabha election. Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F.R. Kharkongor said that during the June 19 Rajya Sabha election strict rules and regulations will be followed. Use of gloves and masks, social distancing and staggered entry of voters will be strictly maintained. He also said that Thermal Screening and proper respiratory protocol will be followed within the polling station and also during training.
This will be the state’s first election to be held in the middle of COVID-19 pandemic. So, every possible steps and protocols will be taken to safeguard voters and various personnel.
Kharkongor also said that Pre-COVID-19 election procedures, processes and protocols have been revisited and preparations are being taken by following COVID-19 containment protocols to reduce person-to-person contact.
The state election department had their first hands-on training on Tuesday. A senior Nodal Medical Health Officer will oversee whether all the safety protocols are followed or not at all the polling stations.
Guidelines to be followed, stickers and posters has already been placed at all strategic locations surrounding the polling station. Contingency plans for alternative locations has been drawn up and the entire premises of the polling station will be sanitized by the Shillong Municipal Board.
Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) has put forth the name of NPP state president W.R. Kharlukhi as the consented candidate of the ruling coalition party for the solitary Rajya Sabha seat in the state.
Opposition Congress party has fielded former legislator Kennedy Khyriem for the seat.
The ruling alliance party constitutes NPP, United Democratic Party, BJP, People’s Democratic Front, NCP, Hill State Peoples Democratic Party and three independent parties. Congress has 19 legislators in the 60 member Meghalaya Assembly.
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