An election manifesto refers to a statement issued by a political party fighting an election that informs people about the party’s programmes and policies on a wide range of issues. The manifesto cannot contain anything that is repugnant to the ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution and must be consistent with the letter and spirit of the Model Code of Conduct. While political parties can promise welfare schemes in their manifestos, they cannot make promises “which are likely to vitiate the purity of the election process or exert undue influence on the voters in exercising their franchise”. The manifesto should reflect the rationale for the promises made and the ways in which such promises can be met financially.
