The Election Commission advised political parties that the use of children in any kind of election-related work will not be tolerated.
As the 2024 Lok sabha elections are approaching, the Election Commission has issued strict guidelines to parties and candidates regarding the use of kids in election-related activities.
Guidelines for political parties
The election commission released a press release regarding this stating, Political parties have been advised not to use kids in election campaigns in any form including putting up posters, distributing pamphlets, participating in campaign rallies, election meetings etc. The Election Commission will not tolerate any use of children by parties and candidates during the election process. Also, political leaders and candidates are restricted from holding kids in their arms during campaigns and carrying a child in a vehicle or at rallies.
The prohibition extends to using children for political propaganda in any way, including poetry, songs, dialogues, displaying symbols of a political party candidate, expressing the ideology of a political party, promoting the achievements of a political party or criticising alternative political parties or candidates.
Involving children in any form is violation
According to the guidelines, the presence of a child with a parent or guardian near a political leader will not be considered as a violation. The Election Commission has directed all officials and organisations to refrain from involving children in any manner during election-related work or activities.
It is the personal responsibility of District election officer and District Returning Officers to ensure the implementation of all the laws related to child labor. It has been informed that strict disciplinary action will be taken against election commission officials under their jurisdiction if they violate these rules.
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