Lok Sabha polls: Maintain decorum, don't ridicule devotee-deity relation; stern action against violation of Model Code of Conduct: EC
Lok Sabha elections that the country will undergo soon, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has released an advisory for the political parties, candidates and star campaigners where it warns them of stern action in case of direct or indirect violation of Model Code of Conduct which is expected to come into effect with the announcement of the Lok Sabha and four state assembly polls later this month.
«The Election Commission will assess any indirect MCC violations as per advisory as a fair basis to rework the notices to be given in terms of time and content in issue in the forthcoming elections. For the general election to the Lok Sabha and four state Legislative assemblies, all phases and geographical areas of the elections shall be the basis for determining „repeat“ offences,» asserted the Commission in its advisory.
Based on recent trends, EC has also urged parties to maintain decorum and utmost restraint, raise level of election campaign to issue-based debate.
The advisory has also laid down rules for political parties, candidates and star campaigners on use of social media during the campaign. «Social media posts vilifying or insulting rivals, posts that are in bad taste or below dignity not to be shared,» said EC.
«References which ridicule devotee-deity relations, or suggestions of divine censure should not be made: EC advisory to parties ahead of poll,» said EC in its advisory.
While acknowledging the need to keep a balance between freedom of expression and level playing field, the advisory noted that
