Before you cast your vote, it’s extremely important to know who you are voting for. What’s the background of the candidate? What are his/her previous achievements in governance? What are the red flags that should definitely make you not vote for the candidate or think twice? As a responsible voter, knowing your candidate and the party they belong to should be a must.
In a 10-minute read, here’s all that you need to know:
1. As a voter, what information about my candidate do I have the right to access?
– Records of ongoing or past criminal cases and charges.
– Assets and liabilities and those of his/her spouse and dependents.
– Their educational background.
– Copies of their nomination papers and accompanying affidavits.
– Details of any dues owed by them to the government.
2. Where can I see affidavits submitted by my candidate?
They can be seen on the Election Commission website or on MyNeta, a portal run by the Association of Democratic Reforms whose work made it mandatory for all candidates contesting elections to disclose their criminal, financial and educational backgrounds prior to the polls by filing an affidavit with the Election Commission.
3. What is the minimum age for a candidate to contest the Lok Sabha or assembly elections?
25 years.
4. Can a candidate on bail contest an election?
No. As per the rules of the Election Commission, a candidate on bail with his/her appeal pending for disposal cannot contest an election.
5. As of 2017, how many political parties are registered in India?
As per the Election Commission, 25 political parties are currently registered. Their details can be seen here.
6. Only 8.9% of the income of national parties is from known sources. What are the other sources of income and where can I see their breakdown?
Other sources of income, as mentioned by political parties include sale of coupons, voluntary contributions, donations and party funds. Income-expenditure statements, as well as information on donations, can be accessed here.
7. Whom should I vote for if I want to find a solution for issues like maintenance of roads, solid waste, parks and electricity in my city?
You should vote in the municipal corporation elections in your city. The municipal corporation consists of a committee, which includes the mayor and the councillors who look into these matters.
8. How is an MLA elected and what are his/her/their duties?
An MLA is elected through the assembly elections in every state. An MLA must be over 25 years of age. Their main responsibilities include overseeing the municipal corporation and formulating laws for the maintenance of public order, the police system, public health, agriculture, water supply and land rights. Here’s a detailed list of the duties, if you want to know more.
9. How is an MP elected and what are his/her/their duties?
An MP is elected through the Lok Sabha elections. Their main responsibilities include overseeing defence and the armed forces, atomic energy, foreign affairs, industry, banking, railways, regulation of labour and safety, conducting the census, income tax, customs duties and more. Here’s a detailed list of the duties, should you want to know more.
10. Can a candidate spend as much as he/she/they wish to, for contesting an election and promoting their candidacy?
No, as per Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules (1961), a candidate can spend only till the upper limit prescribed for the state. The amounts vary from ₹6,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 for the Lok Sabha elections, and from ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000 for assembly elections. You can see the state-wise breakup here.
11. How many MPs and MLAs are there in India, currently?
Currently, there are 543 MPs in India. Of these, 34% have self-declared criminal cases – and of these, 22% have self-declared serious criminal cases. Only 11% of MPs (62) are women. A detailed list can be seen here.
There are 4000+ MLAs in India (approximately 7-9 MLAs for every MP). A State-wise list can be seen here.
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The post In 11 Points, All You Need To Know About Your Candidate Before Casting Your Vote appeared first and originally on Youth Ki Awaaz, an award-winning online platform that serves as the hub of thoughtful opinions and reportage on the world's most pressing issues, as witnessed by the current generation. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out more.