India: Protests, skirmishes possible during sixth phase of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh State March 3 /update 5

Event

Skirmishes between rival groups and political protests are possible during voting for the sixth phase of assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh March 3. Residents will vote for 57 seats across 10 districts, including Ambedkar Nagar, Ballia, Balrampur, Basti, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Sant Kabir Nagar, and Siddharthnagar. Though breaches are possible, local leaders will likely comply with ongoing gathering restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 concerns. Officials have deployed approximately 25,000 security personnel to the state for the elections. Additional election-related disruptions are possible in areas where polling is planned. Authorities plan to hold elections in Uttar Pradesh in seven phases, with the final phase scheduled for March 7.

While large political gatherings are unlikely due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, events that do occur will likely take place at public squares where elections are scheduled in the lead-up to voting. Skirmishes between supporters of rival parties are possible in the days leading up, during, and immediately after the election date; violence is possible at voting stations, government buildings, and public squares. Clashes between supporters of rival parties occurred in Shamli District during voting for the first phase of elections Feb. 10. Retaliatory protests are also likely in the aftermath of violence.

Security personnel will likely try to disperse gatherings and use force to break up disruptive protests and rallies. Clashes between police and protesters as well as between supporters of rival groups are possible. Protesters may march along or block roadways, causing localized transport disruptions. Violence may result in business disruptions.

Advice

Prepare for increased security - potentially including roadblocks and identification checks - in affected districts through at least March 3. Allow additional travel time on the polling day; confirm business appointments and transport reservations in advance. Exercise caution near political party offices, rallies, polling stations, security force checkpoints, and government buildings due to the potential for violence. If an unruly gathering forms, immediately leave the area and seek shelter at a safe nongovernment building. Carry valid identification and heed instructions from security personnel.