ECI tightens norms to crack down on criminals in politics

The Election Commission has issued revised guidelines for publishing details of criminal antecedents by candidates and the political parties regarding candidates nominated by them. As per the revised guidelines issued yesterday, the candidates as well as the political parties, regarding candidates nominated by them, will publish the details of criminal antecedents, if any, in newspapers and television.

The first publicity will be within first four days of last date of withdrawal. Second publicity will be within 5th to 8th day of last date of withdrawal. The third publicity will be from the 9th day till the last day of campaign which is two days prior to date of poll. The Poll Body said, the timeline will help the voters in exercising their choices in more informed manner.

The Commission clarified that uncontested winner candidates as well as the political parties who nominate them shall also publicize the criminal antecedents, if any, as prescribed for other contesting candidates and political parties. The modified instructions will apply with immediate effect.