The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a fresh directive on release of party manifesto for Lok Sabha and state assembly polls to ensure free and fair elections.
In a letter to political parties, it said the manifesto should not have any adverse remarks on the established models and principles of the Constitution.
The manifesto should be in lines with provisions of model code of conduct so as to provide better options for the electors by creating a positive environment, the EC directive said.
Already, release of manifesto has been brought under the purview of the model code.
“Under section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, manifesto shall not be released during the prohibitory period that is 48 hours before the end of polling,” the EC’s directive further stated.
It adds, “In case of multi-phase elections, manifesto shall not be released during the prohibitory periods, as prescribed, of all the phases of those elections.”
Any violation of it will be considered as infringement of the election model code of conduct, says the letter.
The EC’s circular came after the Supreme Court directed the poll panel to issue directives to the political parties on election manifesto after holding discussion with them.
Commission in the letter stated that there is no objection over the promises being made for welfare schemes but the parties should avoid making any such promises which affects the transparency of election process.
It should also not affect the discreet, impartial and free thinking of electors while they cast their vote.