Candidates to advertise their criminal records

The Election Commission on Saturday said candidates contesting polls have to advertise their criminal antecedents in TV and newspapers at least three times during electioneering.

Though directions in this regard were issued on October 10, 2018, the rule will be used for the first time in this Lok Sabha election.

Political parties too have to give publicity to criminal records of candidates fielded by them, said Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora. This means, candidates and parties contesting the election will have to publicise their criminal records at least on three different dates in widely circulated newspapers and popular TV channels during the campaign period.

Candidates who do not have records have to mention that. The candidates will now have to fill up an amended form (number 26).

Besides, candidates have to inform parties about their antecedents such as cases in which they have been convicted and cases pending against them.