New Delhi, Feb 05: The Commission convened a meeting with all recognized National and State political parties to discuss issues related to the forthcoming general elections. Representatives of all the six National parties and of the major State parties attended the meeting.
The Commission urged the parties to maintain high standards in electioneering and in public discourse during election campaign and sought their cooperation in adhering to Model Code of Conduct and for ensuring free, fair and smooth election.
The political parties gave their views on various issues connected with the conduct of elections, including on the timing and phasing of elections taking into account weather and seasonal conditions. The political parties also assured of their cooperation in observing the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct for the smooth conduct of elections.
Most of the parties stressed the need to have adequate Central Police Force coverage, and CCTV / Video Camera arrangements at polling stations for ensuring free and fair election. There was suggestion that the Commission should review the transfer and postings made by the State Government in the run-up to elections. Many parties requested for relaxation in the matter of use of posters, flags etc. for cost effective campaign. Some parties expressed their views on the draft guidelines on Election Manifestoes circulated by the Commission recently.
A few parties mentioned the need for transparency in corporate funding for political parties and monitoring expenditure of political parties incurred even before announcement of elections. The political parties, almost unanimously requested for an upward revision in the limits of election expenses in view of the rise in price index.
A large number of political parties spoke on the issue of paid news and media misuse in elections. They suggested that there should be balanced and proportionate coverage of election campaign in various media. Many of the parties expressed the view that opinion polls should be prohibited during election period.(SP News)
