EC sends reminder: Candidates come clean, declare dues

It's not getting any easier for candidates contesting the 14th Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission today introduced a new format, m...

It’s not getting any easier for candidates contesting the 14th Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission today introduced a new format, making it mandatory for candidates to declare in their affidavits, their dues to the various government departments.

The commission dashed off a letter to chief electoral officers of all states and Union Territories, asking them to ensure the affidavit of dues was published by the Returning Officers in at least two newspapers having local circulation, one of which should be a vernacular newspaper. ‘‘This would be published within two days of preparing the list of contesting candidates,’’ the EC note said.

The EC asked its polling officials to ensure that the candidates are informed and asked to furnish the details of their dues. The candidates will have to declare their telephone, electricity, water and accommodation dues to the government.

Story continues below this ad

The new format came after the Delhi High Court’s directive to the EC with regard to dues a few weeks ago. ‘‘An informed voter is the foundation of democracy,’’ the court had said. The HC asked the poll panel to seek affidavits from candidates, including MPs, contesting the Lok Sabha polls on arrears towards facilities like telephone, electricity, water, accommodation and travel.

The commission has done away with the ‘‘no due certificate’’ earlier required with the affidavit.

Gaza-bound Flotilla says it was struck by drone in Tunisian waters; authorities deny claim

World2 hr ago

The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) for Gaza said early Tuesday that one of its main boats was struck by a drone off the Tunisian waters, but all the six passengers and crew are reportedly safe, Reuters reported. However, Tunisia's National Guard spokesman told Mosaique FM radio that reports of a drone attack on the flotilla "have no basis in truth".

View all shorts

Live Blog