Bhopal, India: November 29, 2009. (Fr. Anand Muttungal for PCP) Considering Christmas-Muharam, the Chattishgah State Election Commission today re-scheduled the local body elections in the state. The demand was raised by the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum,(CCF). The State Election Commissioner , Shivraj Singh, announced the new dates for the local body election. As per the new dates 21st and 23rd December will be two faces of voting and the counting will be on 27th of the same month. He also gave exemption to Christians on poll duties too. CCF approached the state election commission on 25th of November to re-schedule the election. The Second face of election was falling on 24th December. The elections were to be held in three faces. CCF General Secretary Panna Lal said, “ Our delegation met the State Election officer to change the date, we told him that a week before Christmas Christians start cleaning the house, special fasting and prayer.” He said, “We appraised the commission of the special meal given to poor and needy on the even of Christmas, it is also a family festival and many Christians are Government employees so their homes will not be able to celebrate festival.” The memorandum highlighted that it will not only affect the Christians of celebrating festival but also affect voting. Christian candidates and voters will find it difficult to exercise their right with internal freedom. Since they are busy it can affect the rate of polling. Necessary prayers to be offered by Christians from moring has been successful in getting the local bodies’ election schedule changed as they were overlapping Christmas Eve. The Christian employees of C.G. have also been exempted from the election duty keeping in mind the Christmas week. In a hurriedly called press conference State Election Commissioner told newsmen that on 25th representatives from both Christian and Muslim communities came and sought to change polling schedule in view of their major festivals, Christmas and Moharum clashing with election dates. The decision was taken on 26th after consultations with major political parties we have changed the dates. He said,”all political parties have agreed to change the dates.” The Christian and Muslim communities have welcomed the decision of the election. CCF GenerL Secretary said ,”It is clear that we still are governed by the secular constitution of our country. Christians have shown unity in all these process.” Isai Mahasangh Chattisgah In-charge Dr. Christy Abraham expressed greater hope that this achievement of Christians will also unite them and it can be seen in the local body elections.”