Law panel seeks response from parties on issuing ads

Amid an ongoing debate on electoral reforms, the Law Commission has asked whether a restriction should be imposed on governments for issuing advertisements highlighting their achievements six months prior to elections.
In a consultation paper issued on electoral reforms recently, the law panel has sought response from political parties and the public on "whether any restriction on governmental advertisements highlighting its achievements for a period of six months prior to the date of expiry of the term of the House should be imposed".
It has also asked whether violation of such restrictions or prohibitions be made punishable.
The other issues raised by the Law Commission include as to whether a people's representative should stand disqualified upon conviction in a case, or framing of charges in a court, or as soon as the investigation officer presents his report?

"The issue of electoral reforms with all its connotations has been receiving attention of the successive governments... A divergence of views further underlines the need to engage in identifying the direct and indirect connection between these issues and the constitutional obligations of strengthening democracy and the rule of law," the law panel said.
It has also asked whether, in addition to the existing scheme of disqualifications, a new statutory provision needs to be inserted for evaluation of fitness of a candidate by an independent body.
It has further sought opinion on whether filing of a false affidavit should be a ground for disqualification. "If yes, what mode and mechanism needs to be provided for adjudication on the veracity of the affidavit," it has asked.

On the issue of state funding of election expenses and regulation of conduct of political parties, the Law Commission has asked whether there should at all be state funding of elections of a candidate or political party. It said if there is state funding, what should be its criteria and the quantum of funding.