New Delhi: The Election Commission has added a new column in the election expenditure section of candidates to furnish details of money spent on digital campaigns in the upcoming elections in five states. Candidates used to mention the money spent on digital campaigns in the last elections too but, this is the first time that a dedicated column has been created to record the details of such expenditure.
To prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Election Commission has banned the organization of direct rallies, roadshows, and other similar campaign programs till January 22. With election meetings banned, parties are using digital and online platforms to reach out to voters.
Change in the format of return for the first election
For the first time in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur, a new column has been created by changing the format of returns for elections. An official said, “Parties and candidates (till now) used to disclose such expenditure on their own… giving details of expenditure on things like digital vans… showing expenditure under this category. Now, a dedicated column has been created to record such expenditure in this election.”
The official said this is not the first time such disclosures will be made by candidates and parties. He said that now a dedicated column has been started for this.
According to Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the candidate concerned is liable to be disqualified from contesting elections for a period of three years by the Election Commission for failing to record his election expenses within the stipulated time. On the basis of the recommendations of the Election Commission, before the announcement of the election schedule, the expenditure limit for the candidates in the election campaign was increased by the government.
