The Election Commission on Thursday made it clear that the sponsored advertisements on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter would be included in the total election expenditure of a candidate.
The Commission’s official said that voice messages of candidates, even if they were received from other states, would also be added to the candidate’s expenditure.
The official said that the total amount of expenditure, of which account is to be kept under section 77 of Representation of People's Act-1951 and which is incurred or authorized in any assembly constituency in connection with general elections to the legislative Assembly by any candidate of Punjab, is Rs 28 lakh.
The printing press owners have also been asked to print the names and addresses of printer and publisher of any election pamphlets, posters and such other material printed by them.
Any violation would invite action, including revocation of license of the printing press, the official said.
Commission has also clarified that any person giving or accepting any gratification in cash or kind during election process, with a view to inducing a person to exercise his electoral rights is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both as per section 171 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
As per section 171 C of the IPC, any person who threatens any candidate or elector, or any other person, with injury of any kind, is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both, the official added.
Flying squads have also been formed to register cases against both the giver and the taker of bribe and for taking action against those who are engaged in threat and
intimidation of electors the official said.