Publicity material prepared before filing nomination to be included in candidate’s expenditure

Election Commission of India has issued directives to Chief Electoral officers regarding printing of date and number on print line and advance publicity material. The Chief Electoral Officer has conveyed the directives in the form of a circular to all district election officers.

If publicity material prepared for a candidate in advance, if used in electioneering after filing of nomination then expenses incurred on such materials will be included in candidate’s election expenses. The commission has also clarified that it is not necessary to print date, number and number of copies on print line since this information is being sought from publishers and printers through annexures 1 and 2 of the declaration. However, publicity material must bear name of publisher and printer.