Poll campaign expenditure cap

Subject: Polity

Context:

Election Commission of India has proposed a 10 per cent increase in the campaign expenditure limit for all future elections given the constraints posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Concept:

• The Election Commission (EC) imposes limits on campaign expenditure incurred by a candidate, not political parties.
• Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules 1961 deals with election expenditure.
• Expenditure by a Lok Sabha candidate is capped between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 70 lakh, depending on the state she is fighting from.
• In Assembly elections, the ceiling is between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 28 lakh. This includes money spent by a political party or a supporter towards the candidate’s campaign.
• However, expenses incurred either by a party or the leader of a party for propagating the party’s programme are not covered.
• Candidates must mandatorily file a true account of election expenses with the EC.
• An incorrect account, or expenditure beyond the ceiling can attract disqualification for up to three years under Section 10A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951.