Green EC votes plastic out

Armed with an eco-friendly voting machine, the Election Commission is now trying to dissuade candidates from using plastics and polythene as campaign material. Though it8217;s not an out-an-out ban, the EC has sent out an advisory to political parties. 8216;8216;It has become a prevalent and cheap option and if it is used as primary material in an election of this magnitude, cleaning up will prove to be an impossible task. The Commission8217;s directive would certainly play the role of a deterrent,8217;8217; the EC officials said.

The Commission has also asked parties not to deface building with graffiti. 8216;8216;No political party or candidates have any right to deface or spoil any private or public buildings by pasting posters, writing slogans and painting symbols,8217;8217; the EC note to Chief Electoral Officers said.

Sources said there will be a blanket ban on use of non-biodegradable material during the next poll campaign. To get across the point that the EC is serious and watching, the note said: 8216;8216;If any one indulges in such undesirable activities, whether private or public, the political party and candidates concerned should be prosecuted and proceeded against under the law.8217;8217;