Election Commission bans bike rallies 72 hours before voting day

March 22: It has been brought to the notice of the Election Commission (EC) that in some places bikes are used by some anti-social elements to intimidate the voters before the Poll day and/ or on Poll day. The Commission has considered the above issue and has decided that Bike Rallies shall not be allowed at any place 72 hours before date of poll or on the Poll day in all poll going constituencies.

The Commission issued a directive to the chief electoral officers of poll-bound West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry in this regard. The EC also asked the CEOs to inform all stakeholders concerned, including candidates, political parties and the Commission’s observers, to ensure strict compliance of the directions. Elections to the five Assemblies will begin on March 27 and the counting of votes will take place on May 2.