The Election Commission on Saturday announced the polling dates in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand. The elections in all the five states will be held amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.

Also read: Goa Assembly election 2022: Polling to be held on February 14, results on March 10

Here is a list of key highlights from the Election Commission press conference:

1. 1 polling booth in each tribal assembly constituency to be staffed only with women officials

2. Number of voters per booth reduced to 1250; earlier it was 1500

3. Total number of poll booths goes over by 16 per cent.

Also read: Uttarakhand Assembly election 2022: Polling on February 14 in single phase

4. One polling station managed by women — exclusively set at each polling station.

5. Arrangement of webcasting should be done at critical booths.

6. All enforcement agencies have been met, directions given —- any freebies, alcohol, money — nothing to be distributed across stations

Also read: Punjab Assembly election 2022: Polling on February 14, counting on March 10

7. C-Vigil App — to be used by all. Can be downloaded. Its helpful for candidates, parties and track freebies or violation of MCC

8. Holding timely election essence of maintaining democratic governance.

9. Holding timely election essence of maintaining democratic governance.

Also read: Uttar Pradesh Assembly election 2022: Polling to be held from February 10 in 7 phases

10. All officials on duty to be treated as frontline workers, precautionary and booster doses is a must for them.

11. 15 crore in these 5 states have first dose.

12. Polling time increased by an HOUR in all states.

13. All voters, candidates, parties, to be conscious towards public health.

14. No road show/pad-yattra/rally to be held till 15th Jan

Also read: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur elections from February 10, counting on March 10

15. No Nukkad sabhas on public roads

16. No Victory procession after the counting

17. Only two people will be allowed

18. Parties to give masks and sanitisers for political meets