No use of Armed forces in poll campaign material: EC to parties

The election commission has asked the political parties not to use pictures of Armed forces of Defence personnel in their campaign as it creates a bias against the apolitical force.

The election commission has asked the political parties not to use pictures of Armed forces of Defence personnel in their campaign as it creates a bias against the apolitical force.

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In an advisory sent to the parties, the commission said the Armed forces are "apolitical" and "neutral stakeholders" in a modern democracy and it is therefore necessary that the political parties and leaders exercise great caution while making any reference to the Armed forces in their political campaigns.

The commission was also of the view that photographs of Chief of Army Staff or any other defence personnel and photographs of functions of Defence forces should not be associated with or used in any manner during elections by political parties and candidates.