EC mulls bringing colour back into elections

NEW DELHI: Free and fair they will continue to be, but colourless elections may soon be a thing of the past. In a major course correction, the Election Commission is considering liberalisation of the campaign methods which will bring colour back into electioneering.

Confirming this, Chief Election Commission SY Quraishi told TOI, "We are considering to bring back the liberal system of campaigning but defacement of buildings will not be allowed." Quraishi said state laws about defacement will continue to be enforced. He, however, added that a clearer picture would emerge in the coming days when EC brainstorms on the issue and consults stakeholders.

Explaining the proposal, the CEC said return of colour could see a reappearance of banners and buntings. The Commission's strict enforcement of the rules since the time of former CEC TN Seshan has resulted in elections being conducted minus the festivity and colour that lent them a unique carnival-kind character.

Quraishi has a purpose behind considering liberalisation of campaigning methods. He said political parties have been making representations that with so many restrictions on campaign the candidates very often resorted to illegal means like paid news.

"Political parties have been saying that even 10 days before the election names of candidates are not known. So EC should at least allow them to put banners and other conventional means," Quraishi said. He explained that inserting advertisements in print and electronic media was expensive and paid news was illegal. Therefore, some leeway in campaigning was needed. "Liberalising the system is the best way to counter money power and growth of paid news," he said.

Aware of the flip side of liberalising the modes of campaign, Quarishi said, "There are candidates who have a tough time organising the Rs 25 lakh limit on poll expenditure. They feel changing the campaign method will legalise the unlevel playing field."