Election Commission Issues Advisory As Political Parties Start Campaigns

As the poll bugle ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha election sounded by political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) today issued an advisory to the parties, candidates and campaigners, asking to avoid appeals on the basis of caste and communal feeling of the electors.

The advisory says that activities that may aggravate existing differences create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes, communities, and religious and linguistic groups shall not be done. The advisory also warned the campaigners not to make false statements and unverified allegations without factual basis.

The advisory asked the parties to refrain from criticising the aspects of the private life of the leaders and works of the opposite parties. The commision also sought to avoid personal attacks insulting political opponents

The advisory further warned against the use of temples, mosques, churches or any other places of worship for electioneering. It also asked to refrain from actions and comments causing disrespect to the dignity of women.

The commission also cautioned against providing unverified and misleading advertisements in the media while asking to avoid advertisements masquerading as news items. The advisory also asks the campaigners to refrain from social media posts and comments insulting their rivals.

However, the advisory has come days before the model code is expected to be announced later this month. The chief election commissioner had recently asked political parties to maintain respectful political discourse. With the commission”s advisory announced, the official ethical code for the political discourse ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha election has been set.