Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Election Officer has informed the Central Election Commission that the by-elections in Chavara and Kuttanad constituencies should not be conducted. Meanwhile, the election commission is yet to take a final decision on this matter. The decision will be taken either this week or next week.

The Chief Election Officer made his stance clear during the video conference held on Wednesday. The current government's tenure will continue only for less than a year. Also, monsoon is about to start in the state. Polling would be difficult under these circumstances.

Meanwhile, the election commission has given instructions regarding the guidelines that will have to be adhered to if the elections are conducted. The first guideline is that only 1000 people can be allowed in a single polling station. Usually, 1800 people are allowed in a single booth in the state. Under the new circumstances, auxiliary booths will have to be set up.

Social distancing protocols will have to be followed strictly. Postal ballets facilities should be provided to senior citizens, specially abled people and COVID positive patients. These are some of the instructions put forward by the commission. The commission also said that everyone should resort to virtual campaigning owing to the pandemic.