Election Commission issued new guidelines for Star campaigners
Raipur, 08 October 2020. During the Marwahi by-election, the number of star campaigners of political parties has been reduced. Keeping in mind the Kovid-19 epidemic, the Election Commission of India has issued these new guidelines for the dissemination that is going on during the Bihar Assembly Elections and the Assembly and Lok Sabha by-elections in various states. The Commission, while amending its earlier guidelines, has given these instructions in relation to the number of star campaigners and the list of campaigners. According to this, now a maximum of 30 star campaigners of national or state level political parties will be able to participate in the election campaign, whereas earlier this number was 40. Similarly, instead of 20 unrecognized political parties, 15 star campaigners can now be included in the campaign.
Chief Electoral Officer Smt Reena Baba Saheb Kangale informed that the Commission has made it clear in its revised guidelines that now political parties can submit the list of star campaigners till 10 days after the notification is issued. This time limit was 7 days before the amendment. It also clarifies that political parties who have already submitted their star campaigners list can submit the revised list within the time limit. Permission should be obtained at the District Election Office for promotion of Star campaigners at least 48 hours in advance, so that necessary security measures can be ensured. Mrs. Kangale informed that the District Electoral Officer has been directed to follow the instructions of Gorela-Pendra-Marwahi.
It is noteworthy that the Election Commission had a detailed discussion with the Chief Electoral Officers of various political parties, states and union territories keeping in mind the status of Kovid-19. The Commission issued comprehensive guidelines for the election process on 21 August 2020, after considering all the points. In this, clear instructions were also given regarding publicity. In addition to the revised guidelines issued for Star campaigners, other points will remain in force. The revised instructions became effective immediately.
