EC gives nod to expenditure agents

With the Election Commission closely monitoring the poll expenditure of candidates,it has now acceded to political parties request to allow candidates the option of appointing one expenditure agent to assist them in complying with relevant rules.

There was a suggestion from the parties that for convenience and better compliance of the instructions in the new guidelines,it would be helpful if candidates were allowed to appoint an additional agent,to be called expenditure agent,for assisting them for this purpose. The commission has approved the suggestion. Accordingly,every candidate may appoint an expenditure agent for assisting them in the various expenditure related matters, the EC has informed the Chief Electoral Officers of poll-bound states. The Commission has also informed the same to all political parties participating in the Assembly polls in Assam,Kerala,Puducherry,Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The move holds significance as this is the first time that expenditure agents will be used during elections. So far,candidates were allowed to appoint one election agent,authorised to perform all poll-related duties on behalf of the candidate during elections. The EC has,however,barred ministers,MPs,MLAs,MLCs,mayors,chairman of municipality or zilla parishad from being appointed as expenditure agents.

The move comes after political parties requested for the same in a meeting called by the EC on March 9 to brief them about new rules and procedures related to poll expenses,among others.