ECI instructs parties to not involve children in campaigns
In preparation for the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued instructions on Monday, directing political parties and candidates to abstain from engaging children in any aspect of the election campaign.
In an advisory to political entities, the ECI emphasised its “zero tolerance” policy regarding the involvement of children in any capacity during the electoral process by parties and candidates, such as holding them in their arms, transporting them in vehicles or featuring them in rallies.
The Commission also emphasised the importance of parties and candidates strictly adhering to the relevant laws concerning child labour. It highlighted a 2014 directive from the Bombay High Court, emphasising the prohibition of the involvement of minor children in any election-related activities by political parties.
This directive comes a month after the Commission urged political parties to exhibit “respect” towards individuals with disabilities during their campaigns. In December 2023, the ECI specifically instructed parties not to use racist or derogatory language concerning individuals with disabilities.
Under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the poll panel has actively implemented measures aimed at streamlining various activities of political parties, including the creation of an online portal to facilitate transparent financial disclosures, ensuring the timely submission of statutory reports, enhancing oversight to prevent the misuse of statutory provisions and undertaking efforts to identify and remove fraudulent Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs).
