THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Electoral Officer Teekaram Meena has said by-election may not be held in Kuttanad-Chavara constituencies on account of Covid pandemic and lockdown.

“There are no chances for holding by-elections in Kerala alone. After lockdown, political parties will not get enough time to make preparations for by-elections,” he told a private news channel.

Teekaram said by-election could be held only if there was one year gap left for the next Assembly election. On May 25,2021 the term of Pinarayi government would come to an end.

“Even if lockdown comes to an end on May 3, it will take time for life to return to normal.

If the by-election has to be held, it should be conducted before May 25. But there is no possibility for this. Anyhow, election commission will meet after the lockdown,” he explained adding that the elections to local self-governing bodies will also be delayed due to the lockdown.