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Journalism of Courage
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 it’s not an out-an-out ban, the EC has sent out an advisory to political parties. ‘‘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 Commission’s directive would certainly play the role of a deterrent,’’ the EC officials said.
The Commission has also asked parties not to deface building with graffiti. ‘‘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,’’ 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: ‘‘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.’’
