THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state election commission has informed the high court that it is ready to conduct the local body polls. The commission filed its reply before the court on PC George MLA’s plea to postpone the polls. The court has further postponed the plea to issue the verdict. DGP and the commission met to discuss the pre-poll preparations. The commission has informed the high court that polls could be conducted paying strict adherence to the covid 19 protocol and the pre-poll arrangements are in the last phase. The poll panel has also said that it has discussed election situation with all political parties in the state.

PC George in his plea has asked the high court to postpone the polls considering the rapid spread of the pandemic. DGP has also recommended the poll panel to conduct the elections in phases and he also said that if the panel needs then more police personnel could be deployed for smooth conduct of the polls. The poll panel will render postal voting facilities for those who turn covid positive in the last days for polls. Discussions will be conducted with the health ministry to ensure voting among covid 19 positive people. On Wednesday, chief secretary and commission will discuss the issue. Sources say that the dates for local body polls will be out on Thursday.