Vaccinate first, vote later should be the poll mantra

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has expressed confidence that it can hold Assembly elections next year. But this move is fraught with risks as the country is yet to rein in the coronavirus pandemic.

With the vaccination drive yet to hit top gear and the result of the devastation caused by the political rallies in the run-up to the assembly elections a stark reminder, safety of citizens should be given top priority.

Madras High Court’s rap over holding elections in this climate should also help guide ECI’s strategy and provide direction.

By the beginning of next year, the term of the five assemblies of the country – Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab and Manipur – is coming to an end. The results of the elections in UP in 2022 can prove to be the deciding factor for the general elections of 2024. This election will be very thorny and a lot will be at stake for every party. The election campaign has already started in the state. In such a situation, no party will lag behind in campaigning and making strategy.

ECI will have to ponder whether this is the right time to conduct elections.

The Modi government has been strongly advocating “One nation, One election” for some time now. In such a situation, wouldn’t it be better that in 2024 itself, all elections are held together? All parties should show unity in this. There should be no election in the country till the situation returns to normalcy.

If the government and ECI are adamant on holding elections, then the court should intervene.

Elections can be postponed, but the war against this epidemic, that has killed lakhs of people in the country in the past one year, cannot be avoided. The biggest need at this time is to vaccinate the entire population and save people’s lives.