SEC tightens noose on political parties ahead of local body polls

Mumbai, Dec 28 (UNI) In a setback to the political parties, Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) today said that expenditure by them on campaigning for the local body elections should be included in the expenses of their candidates contesting the polls.

In its order today, the SEC said political parties should convey to Municipal Commissioners, District Collectors and other concerned authorities as to how they propose to distribute the expenses incurred by their parties for campaign material, posters, banners and organisation of election rallies among the contesting candidates within 20 or 35 days of the enforcement of the code of conduct or within three days of declaration of the election result.

The SEC said it was issuing the following directives under different clauses of the Indian Constitution, Mumbai Regional Municipal Corporation Act, Nagpur City Municipal Corporation Act, Maharashtra Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat and Industrial Estate Act among others.

The order said as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision, the party's campaign expenditure need not be shown in the expense details of the contesting candidates. But, there is a difference between the ECI and the SEC, and registered and recognised political parties should submit their audits to the ECI every year. Even though, the SEC has started registering political parties, they do not submit their audits to the SEC.

The order said it would enable equal platform to the political party candidates and independent candidates in the election arena.

The order also said the SEC's decision would enable free, fair and transperant elections in local bodies and minimise the use of money and power.

It was, therefore, mandatory for all political parties to adhere to the decision. The SEC can also go to the extent of de-registering them if the orders are violated.

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