Page 180 - Leap of Faith Vol - 2

Leap of Faith Journey of Indian Elections

calamity that had befallen the world. Unsurprisingly, the Holding free and fair elections, before the term of
results were problematic” (P.iv). legislature expires, is a constitutional obligation. Only
Parliament, by law, can extend the term of legislature, in a
Elections had to be conducted keeping in mind the COVID
safety protocols like physical distancing, use of masks, manner described in the Constitution, which is applicable
etc., as laid down by the World Health Organization. It only when an Emergency is proclaimed under Article 352.
required great deal of imagination, planning and courage Thus no decision to postpone elections would have been
to conduct elections to multiple Legislative Assemblies, possible without courting political controversy.
Rajya Sabha, Legislative Councils and bye-polls to Lok Fortunately, the General Elections to the 17 Lok Sabha, as
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Sabha over the past two years. Election Commission of well as Legislative Assembly elections in seven other states
India took a “leap of faith” in conducting the elections – were already over in 2019. The Delhi Legislative Assembly
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as the 23 Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora elections were completed by February 11, 2020 before the
described it – and landed on solid ground. first wave of COVID-19 struck India. It is true that Election

Polling officials wore special PPE kits and maintained adequate physical distancing while observing and conducting the Rajya Sabha Election, June 2020

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