May 2nd 2024.
In a recent development, the Election Commission has issued a stern warning to political parties to refrain from any activities that involve registering people for post-election beneficiary schemes. The commission has expressed concern that some parties and candidates are using surveys, advertisements, and mobile applications to gather personal information of voters under the guise of offering them benefits after the elections.
The commission has deemed such practices as corrupt and a violation of electoral laws. It has urged all national and state-level parties to immediately stop and desist from any such activities. While the commission recognizes that making generic electoral promises is permissible, it cautions against individual parties or candidates trying to establish a transactional relationship with voters by offering post-election benefits.
The commission also notes that these activities blur the lines between legitimate surveys and biased attempts to enroll people in programs for political gain. Such activities not only mislead voters but also have the potential to influence their voting preferences. To curb these practices, the commission has directed all district election officers to take necessary action within the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and IPC.
The commission has also highlighted various examples of such activities, including newspaper advertisements asking voters to register by giving missed calls or contacting a phone number, distribution of guarantee cards with attached forms seeking personal information, and distribution of forms for a socio-economic survey under the pretext of expanding government benefit schemes. The commission has also raised concerns about the circulation of web platforms or mobile applications that may or may not have an invitation for voters to avail individual benefits or reveal their voting preferences.
In conclusion, the Election Commission has reminded political parties that such activities are not only a violation of electoral laws, but also a threat to the democratic process. It has urged all parties to maintain transparency and refrain from using underhanded methods to gain an advantage in the elections.
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