Parties must publicise candidates' pending criminal cases, says EC

Chandigarh, December 16

The Election Commission has made it mandatory for political parties to make public information of candidates having pending criminal cases.

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said instructions had been issued asking candidates to advertise thrice in newspapers and TV channels their criminal cases during the campaign period. “Now, it is also mandatory for political parties to publicise in the newspaper, social media and upload on their website detailed information regarding individuals with pending criminal cases selected as candidates, along with reason for such selection, as also why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates,” he said. Besides, adequate central armed police forces and experienced observers would be deputed to oversee smooth conduct of free and fair elections in the state.

The commission team interacted with different types of voters, including first-time voters, persons with disability and transgenders and encouraged them to sensitise people on electoral participation. The commission felicitated these voters. Meanwhile, Sushil Chandra flagged off voter awareness vans as part of a campaign in the state. — TNS