Poll schedule in 5 states after security inputs: EC

New Delhi : The Election Commission will take a call on the dates of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand, due early next year, based on the inputs provided by security forces and state law and order machinery, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said today. He said the schedule will be finalised keeping in mind the weather and examination schedule. “We are trying to assess the requirement of security forces, climate and exam schedule — all these inputs are being taken into consideration. Only then will we be able to say whether they will be staggered or multi-phase,” the CEC told mediapersons on the sidelines of an event.