Can't Use Children for Poll-Related Activities, Campaigns: Election Commission to Political Parties

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday asked political parties and their candidates not to use children for election campaigns in any form, including distribution of posters/pamphlets, participation in slogan shouting, campaign rallies and election meetings.

The poll body, in a statement, said that the Commission has conveyed ‘zero tolerance’ towards use of children in any manner during the electoral process by parties and candidates.

“In continuation of its earlier directives to parties and candidates to address plummeting levels of campaign discourse and to maintain respectful discourse towards Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Election Commission of India has issued strict directives regarding use of children in any election-related activities,” it said.

The Commission has unequivocally directed all election officials and machinery to refrain from involving children in any capacity during election-related work or activities.

“District Election Officers and Returning Officers shall bear personal responsibility for ensuring compliance with all relevant acts and laws pertaining to child labour. Any violation of these provisions by election machinery under their jurisdiction will result in severe disciplinary action,” it added.

Political leaders and candidates should not use children for campaign activities in any manner, including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or in rallies.

“This prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poem, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political party/candidate, exhibiting ideology of political party, promoting achievements of a political party or criticizing the opponent political parties/candidates,” the poll body said.

It also clarified that the mere presence of a child accompanied by their parent or guardian in proximity of a political leader and who is not involved in any election campaigning activity by the political party, will not be construed as a violation of the guidelines.

The directive came at a time when the country is gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls, scheduled around March-April.