The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a stern advisory to all national and state political parties. The advisory, issued on Thursday, demands an immediate cessation of any activities related to registering individuals for post-election beneficiary-oriented schemes.
The Commission has identified these actions as potential violations of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, specifically under Section 123(1) concerning corrupt practices of bribery.
The ECI has expressed concern over the blurring of lines between legitimate surveys and partisan efforts by political parties and candidates. These efforts often masquerade as surveys but aim to enroll individuals for post-election benefits.
Such activities, the Commission asserts, can create an impression of a transactional relationship between the voter and the proposed benefit, potentially leading to inducement for voting in a particular manner.
Acknowledging the permissibility of generic electoral promises, the Commission has underscored the need to distinguish between authentic surveys and biased attempts to enroll people in programs for political gain.
It has directed all District Election Officers to take appropriate actions against any such advertisements within the statutory provisions, including sections of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The Commission has specifically highlighted various methods used by political parties and candidates to gather voter information and enroll them for beneficiary schemes.
These methods include newspaper advertisements prompting individuals to register by giving missed calls or calling on specific phone numbers, as well as the distribution of guarantee cards containing details of prospective individual benefits alongside voter information forms.
Moreover, the circulation of physical forms seeking voter details under the guise of socio-economic surveys or the expansion of ongoing government benefit schemes has also been flagged.
In addition, the Commission has cautioned against the propagation of web platforms or mobile applications by political entities seeking voter information, with or without an invitation for individual benefits or revealing voting preferences.
With the Lok Sabha elections unfolding across seven phases until June 1 and vote counting scheduled for June 4, the Election Commission’s advisory underscores its commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
By curbing practices that could unduly influence voters, the Commission aims to uphold the principles of free and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy.
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