EC issues new guidelines for transparency in party funds

The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday issued a set of draft “revised” guidelines to political parties asking them not to give cash to their candidates in a bid to curb the menace of black money in elections.

The EC had initially framed these guidelines in September, 2013 following which political parties were asked to send suggestions. The Commission, in its latest communication, has asked the political parties to send their comments or suggestions within the next 14 days.

If a reply is not sent by the parties, the EC said it “will be presumed” that they have no comments to offer and the measures will be formally notified.

One of the salient points mooted by the EC this time is that the parties, which desire to provide any amount to its candidates for their election expenses, “shall make such payment, not exceeding the prescribed ceiling, only through crossed account payee cheque or draft or through bank account transfer and not in cash.”