Politics and safety: Nothing is more important than ensuring that poll campaigns don’t become super spreader - The Times of India Blog | Canada News Media
Five states including heavyweight UP, are now set for tense political showdowns – but the surging Covid third wave demands responsible electioneering by parties. Electoral mobilisations can spread infections even faster, and in places where healthcare access is patchy. Therefore, Election Commission’s one-week moratorium on physical rallies and roadshows is a smart idea. An indefinite ban risked parties flouting the order but waiting till January 15 means all stakeholders will have a better idea of where the surge is headed. EC should be open to the option of extending the no-rallies rule if the situation so demands.
Parties should in fact rewrite their campaign playbook and concentrate more on online campaigning methods and doorstep visits in groups of five or less, which EC has allowed. Star campaigners can immediately switch to virtual rallies and thanks to growing smartphone penetration, grassroots workers can take their message even further than physical rallies do.
As for issues, these elections will be a good measure of how ordinary voters are assessing the economy, which is in good health by some macro measures but also has worry spots in terms of unemployment and not-yet-recovered consumption. Also on test will be whether farmers’ groups have real electoral power in Punjab and parts of UP.
Politically, this round is crucial for BJP – incumbent in four of the five states – as well as Congress, facing grave questions about its national relevance and taking on BJP in three states. Regional parties like SP in UP, AAP in Punjab and Goa, and TMC in Goa and Manipur, are also potential gainers if they can upset BJP and Congress apple carts.
In most-watched UP, BJP is also up against history. The state mostly throws out incumbents. But as poll campaigns heat up, it is fair to say BJP, helmed by the PM, starts with many advantages. But crowds at Akhilesh Yadav’s rallies, uncertainty over Dalit votes given Mayawati’s non-campaign, and SP’s outreach towards BJP’s OBC phalanx signal that the race is very much open. In Punjab, CM Charanjit Singh Channi’s worst enemy is fellow Congressman Navjot Sidhu. And with an energetic AAP in the fray, retaining Punjab has perhaps become more difficult for Congress, even with Akalis and BJP in a tough spot.
Coming back to Covid, EC must hold party leaders responsible for cadres’ violations. That’s the only punishment that will work because India’s netas are not used to being upbraided very often – and they will therefore have a strong incentive to ask rank and file to behave.
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This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
