Keeping in mind the safety of senior citizens amid rising cases of the coronavirus, the age limit for voters to opt for the postal ballot in Lok Sabha and assembly elections has been reduced.

In October 2019, the Law Ministry amended the Conduct of Election Rules to allow people with disabilities and those who are 80 years of age or above to opt for postal ballot during Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Now, on June 19, the ministry notified a fresh change in the rules, allowing those aged 65 years and above to opt for postal ballot.

While amending the rules on the suggestions of the Election Commission, the ministry also allowed “Covid 19 suspect or affected persons” to use the postal ballot facility.

Since the coronavirus outbreak in India, Bihar will be the first state to have assembly polls.

Meanwhile, JD(U) advocated for single-phase assembly election in the state.

Talking to reporters after the all-party meeting convened by Bihar chief electoral officer (CEO) H R Srinivasa, JD(U) MP from Munger Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh said, “No other state except Bihar is going to the polls. We have sufficient central paramilitary forces to ensure free, fair and peaceful election. If required, employees of central government organisations can be deployed as polling personnel for the purpose.”