EC to consult parties on manifesto guidelines

The Election Commission has decided to convene a meeting of all recognised national and state political parties for holding consultations on implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on framing of guidelines on manifestos announced ahead of polls.

The Election Commission has decided to convene a meeting of all recognised national and state political parties for holding consultations on implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on framing of guidelines on manifestos announced ahead of polls.

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"The date for the meeting will be fixed very soon," said a statement from the Election Commission.

The Commission has meanwhile sent a copy of the court judgment to the recognised political parties for their information and firming up of views.

"The Commission has taken note of the Supreme Court directions that it should frame guidelines regarding the election manifestoes of political parties. It has decided to seek the views of political parties in the matter before taking up further action," the EC said.

The Commission will shortly circulate a background paper in the matter among political parties for firming up of their views in the matter.

In preparation for this, the Commission has started making efforts to compile available views and practices on the subject adopted both nationally and internationally.

The action comes in the wake of Supreme Court ruling for framing of guidelines on manifestos of political parties.

The Supreme Court while disposing of a special leave petition on July 5 challenging the freebies announced by Tamil Nadu government had asked the Election Commission to frame guidelines for such promises announced by political parties in their election manifestos.