New Delhi: The Election Commission of India on May 2 advised star campaigners of all parties contesting in the Karnataka Assembly polls against a “diminishing” view of election campaigning and urged them not to spoil the election atmosphere.
Political parties and candidates are advised to maintain a high quality of discourse with caution and restraint in their words. The EC has asked for a pan India perspective and depth to the local dialogue, raising ‘issue’ based discussions.
The Commission’s attention has recently been brought to the attention of individuals, in particular, instances of inappropriate vocabulary and language during ongoing campaigns by individuals invested with the statutory status of star campaigners. Such instances have attracted various complaints, cross-complaints and negative media attention, the election body said.
The advisory says “It is imperative for all parties and stakeholders to maintain the dignity of political discourse and remain within the bounds of the model code of conduct and legal framework in their statements while campaigning without spoiling the campaign and propaganda. Thus they contribute to maintaining and raising the level of discourse for “issue” oriented debate, provide a pan India perspective, provide depth to local discourse and assure all sections of voters to participate fully and fearlessly in free and fair elections. ”
In the advisory, the ECI invited the attention of political parties to the provisions of the Election Code of Conduct and other statutory provisions that would hold the constituency and fix the framework of expected campaign discourse.
ECI observes that as per model code of conduct provisions, use of provocative statements, use of inhuman and abusive language violating the bounds of decency and attacks on personal character and conduct of political rivals spoils the level playing field. The spirit of the model code of conduct is not only to avoid direct violations, it also prohibits attempts to subvert the electoral space through implied or indirect statements or intrusions.