‘Refrain from personal attack… let’s not cross lines in our rivalry’: Election Commission to political parties

Setting the stage for the electoral battle, Kumar said that it is the EC’s promise to deliver the national election in a manner that could add to India’s shine on the world stage. He also said the EC is determined to tackle “4 Ms — muscle, money, misinformation and Model Code of Conduct violation”.

On electoral bonds data

Responding to a question on electoral bonds, Kumar said, “As far as electoral bonds are concerned, the Commission has always been in favour of transparency”. “In democracy, there is no scope for hiding things, it is all about making everybody know, we are all for transparency. This is the first part of the exercise that it must be known, the country now has to ask and find solutions through an institutional mechanism where the donor’s privacy is also considered,” he said.

Expressing confidence that a “better” system will evolve, Kumar said the Election Commission has made it compulsory for all political parties to inform it about the contributions they are receiving. The parties are also expected to declare how much they have collected and how much they have spent in the annual accounts.

On streamlining activities of political parties

The CEC said that the plummeting level of political discourse is a matter of concern and the EC would be going beyond the moral censure to act against Model Code of Conduct violators. “We urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language. No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility. Let’s not cross lines in our rivalry,” the EC said.

“Respectful discourse towards Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and prohibition on the use of children as part of campaigning” were two key points highlighted by the CEC as part of measures for political parties to streamline their activities ahead of the polls. He also said that EC has issued an advisory against masquerading advertisements as news.

“Engaging political parties constructively, ECI has streamlined processes through IEMS portal & action against defaulting RUPPs,” a post on X by the EC added.

On violence during polls

While speaking about poll violence, Kumar said: “We will be ruthless if violence takes place anywhere during polls.”“ There is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections… From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them…”

Here’s a round-up of other points highlighted by the CEC

• CEC Rajiv Kumar said there are 1.82 crore first-time voters The last 11 state elections were peaceful and violence-free with near-zero re-polls, he said, adding that this will further be improved going forward.
• The desire is to ensure that voting percentage goes up from 67 per cent last time (2019), he said.
• “The ECI stands committed to holding Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir soon after the Lok Sabha elections,” Kumar said. He also said the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was amended in December 2023 after a delimitation exercise and the clock had started ticking for the Election Commission since then.
• The CEC also clarified that the eligible voters living in camps in Manipur will be allowed to vote from their camps. “We have drawn a scheme, which we have notified… to allow the voters in the camp to vote from the camp. Like there is a scheme for Jammu and Kashmir migrants… same way the scheme will implemented in Manipur.”
• Kumar said there are 88.4 lakh people with disabilities (PwDs) registered in the electoral roll. “Voters with 40 per cent benchmark disability can vote from home. Also, transport facility will be provided to people with disabilities to vote,” he said.
• Twelve states have more women voters than men, Kumar mentioned adding that a total of 47.1 crore females are registered in the electoral roll.
• Courts have looked into various complaints against EVMs 40 times and rejected all charges every time, he added.
• “We are fully prepared and I request the voters to get inked,” the CEC said. “After assessment in all states, we are confident of ensuring a memorable, independent and impartial polls.”

• Advisory issued by the EC to political parties

• To foster political discourse which inspire rather than divide
• Issue-based campaigning
• No hate speeches
• No caste or religious appeals
• No criticism of any aspect of private life
• Pattern of past MCC violations to prepare grounds for civilised campaigning in the general elections
• To refrain from unverified and misleading ads
• No masquerading of advertisements as news
• Responsibility on star campaigners to maintain decorum

The polling for Lok Sabha elections will be held between April 19 and June 1. The CEC said there are 97.8 crore eligible voters of which 49.72 crore were male voters and 47.1 crore were female voters. More than 55 lakh electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used across the country. Assembly polls will also be held in four states— Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim, the results for which will be announced on June 4. Bypoll elections will also be held for 26 assembly constituencies.

The counting of votes for the 18th Lok Sabha elections will take place on June 4.

–With PTI inputs