In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued an order directing political parties and candidates to refrain from involving children in election-related campaigns and activities. The ECI stated that taking a child in arms during a campaign would be considered a violation of the order and would result in lawful action. This is the first time that such restrictions have been imposed before the code of conduct is in place. The ECI’s order strictly prohibits engaging children in any form of election campaign, including rallies, slogan shouting, distribution of posters or pamphlets, or any other election-related activity. The commission has taken this step after examining complaints lodged since 2016 regarding the use of children by political parties during campaigns. The ECI’s prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign, including the use of poems, songs, spoken words, display of political party insignia, and promoting achievements of a political party. District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with child labor laws and electoral guidelines, and any violation will result in severe disciplinary action.
ECI advises political parties to refrain from involving children in election campaigns
