SHILLONG: In the absence of specific guidelines unlike the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, there are no provisions to file affidavits by the candidates, who file the nominations for the District Council polls.
Since the candidates are not filing affidavits which usually mention the educational qualification of candidates, their movable and immovable properties, cash in hand and in bank deposits among others, the voters are deprived of their rights to know the background of candidates whom they will be electing.
The public will not be able to know whether the candidates have any criminal background in the absence of filing of any affidavits.
An official dealing with the matter said that the rules of the Councils need to be amended to in- corporate the aspect of inclusion of affidavits while filing of nominations.
The returning officers cannot insist the candidates to file their affidavits along with the nomination papers since there is no provision in the nomination papers also to show affidavits under the existing rules of the Councils.
However, the nomination papers for Assembly and Lok Sabha polls have provisions for filing of affidavits. The district councils also do not follow the Representation of People Act. Due to this, it is not mandatory for the candidates to file affidavits.
“Unless we amend the existing rules we cannot insist for affidavits”, the official said, adding that since the nomination papers do not have any provision to include affidavits, the candidates only declare their age, symbol of the party and a few other additional information.
“There is a need to overhaul the rules of Councils to ensure proper standards”, the official added.
The district councils follow the model code of conduct of the Election Commission of India with regard to the use of vehicles during campaigns and also on the polling day.
Setting up of polling booths by the candidates and campaign offices by candidates and political parties should be as prescribed by the Election Commission of India.
The limit of the election expense for a candidate is Rs 2.5 lakh and a register of expenses needs to be maintained by the candidates. The copy of the register is issued by the returning officer to the candidates when nominations are filed.
Another rule is that only the schemes of the district councils will have to be stopped during the election.
An official statement recently said that in respect of MLAs who contest the district council elections, the Government will issue necessary directions regarding regulations which might be necessary to ensure free and fair polls.