Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra has expressed hope that the Assembly elections to the five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa slated to be held in the first quarter of next year will be conducted as per the due schedule. Speaking exclusively to AIR News, Mr. Chandra said, the Commission is keeping a close watch on the evolving situation due to the corona pandemic. Citing the receding number of fresh daily covid cases in the country marked by a strong trajectory of recovery, the Chief Election Commissioner expressed hope that the pandemic will only subside from hereon.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”Explaining in detail about the measures undertaken by the Central poll body in order to conduct participatory elections even in the midst of a pandemic, Mr. Chandra asserted that all necessary precautions are taken to conduct polls during these challenging times. He said, the recently concluded Assembly elections in 5 States and in the State of Bihar reflect the success of Commission's endeavours to conduct elections as per the schedule even amidst all odds. Mr. Chandra said, the Commission positioned Nodal officers for Health and increased number of polling stations apart from several other measures in a bid to ensure safe elections during the pandemic.<br />”&nbsp;<br />”<span style="color: #222222;">The News Services Division of All India Radio will broadcast the second part of the exclusive interview with Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra tonight at 9:15 PM in our special programme SPOTLIGHT. This can be heard on FM Gold Channel and additional frequencies. The first part of the Interview was aired yesterday. The interview will also be available on our website NEWS ON AIR DOT COM and on our YouTube Channel NEWSONAIROFFICIAL.</span><br />