Page 259 - Leap of Faith Vol - 2

Electoral Reforms – Way Forward Chapter 11

EC Anup Chandra Pandey congratulates Rajiv Kumar, on his assuming charge as the 25th CEC of India

Reforms related to Election Campaign and Advertising:
Governments, both in the Centre and State, often step up
expenditure on advertising their achievements as the
elections approach. This is equivalent to political publicity
with public money. Election Commission of India The Commission will follow the
recommends prohibition of such advertisements from six time tested and democratic method
months prior to the date of dissolution of the legislature. of consultations and consensus
An exception can be made for advertisements for building for major reforms in “
Rajiv Kumar
educating general public on matters of public health etc. dynamically evolving contexts. If
25th CEC
required, ECI will not shy away
On the issue of paid news, a menace vitiating free and “
fair conduct of elections, the Election Commission from tough decisions in accordance
favours provision for exemplary punishment of with the Constitution.
minimum two years through an amendment in the
Representation of the People Act, 1951.

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