Representatives of political parties on Tuesday urged the Election Commission not to hold the general election in May to avoid the summer heat.
At a meeting convened by the EC to discuss preparations for the 16th Lok Sabha elections, the parties also sought an increase in the poll expenditure of candidates, which is now pegged at Rs.16 lakh-Rs.40 lakh, depending upon the size of the State.
Representatives from the hill States like Sikkim said they were spending much on fuel as they had to travel a lot in ghats and valleys to meet voters living in scattered settlements. Some asked the EC to be strict in checking paid news and misuse of the media.
A few parties from Uttar Pradesh sought deployment of more Central police forces to ensure a “free and fair poll” and suggested that the elections be held in a minimum of seven phases. But a majority of the parties sought single-phase polling in their States.
While the DMK representative wanted K. Ramanujam removed as Tamil Nadu Director-General of Police, the AIADMK representative pointed out that he was holding the post as per the directive of the Supreme Court.
The EC urged the parties to maintain high standards in electioneering and sought their cooperation in implementing the model code of conduct.
Many parties sought relaxation in the rules relating to the use of posters/flags for cost-effective campaigning. Some expressed their views on the draft guidelines on manifestoes circulated by the EC recently.
A few parties underscored the need for transparency in corporate funding for parties and monitoring the expenditure incurred before the election schedule was announced.
