Political parties can no longer make tall promises on freebies in their election manifestos as they will now have to explain the rationale of their pledges and means of meeting the financial requirements.
This follows an Election Commission (EC) move to create a level-playing field before elections following directives from the Supreme Court.
In fresh guidelines to political parties, the EC has asked them not to make promises that vitiate the atmosphere or exert undue influence on voters. “Trust of voters should be sought only on those promises which are possible to be fulfilled,” the EC said.
The Supreme Court in its July 5, 2013 verdict had noted that though promises in election manifestos cannot be construed as a corrupt practice as per law, the distribution of freebies of any kind “influences” all people.
Earlier, when EC elicited the views of parties on the issue, they expressed divergent views and most stood against such guidelines, saying that making promises to the electorate was their right.
This follows an Election Commission (EC) move to create a level-playing field before elections following directives from the Supreme Court.
In fresh guidelines to political parties, the EC has asked them not to make promises that vitiate the atmosphere or exert undue influence on voters. “Trust of voters should be sought only on those promises which are possible to be fulfilled,” the EC said.
The Supreme Court in its July 5, 2013 verdict had noted that though promises in election manifestos cannot be construed as a corrupt practice as per law, the distribution of freebies of any kind “influences” all people.
Earlier, when EC elicited the views of parties on the issue, they expressed divergent views and most stood against such guidelines, saying that making promises to the electorate was their right.
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