Expanding on the new mobile application, the poll panel chief said, “We have come up with a new mobile application that will enable voters to find out if a candidate, who is bidding to represent them in the Lok Sabha, has a criminal background. The application is called ‘Know Your Candidate’ or ‘KYC’.”
The Launch of KYC App:
The Election Commission unveiled the KYC app at a press conference in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of voters knowing about the criminal background, assets, and liabilities of candidates seeking to represent them in the Lok Sabha.
Details of the KYC App:
The KYC app provides voters with the ability to access information about candidates with criminal antecedents. Candidates are required to disclose their criminal records in newspapers and on television three times. The parties nominating such candidates must explain their selection over other deserving candidates.
“The voters can also now check for themselves the assets and liabilities that candidates with criminal antecedents hold. All relevant information in this regard will be made available on this application,” Kumar said.In addition to voters being able to access information about candidates with criminal antecedents, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that parties nominating such candidates must explain the reasons behind their selection. Furthermore, candidates with a criminal past are mandated to disclose all relevant information to the public. This move aims to increase transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that voters have access to comprehensive information about candidates before casting their votes.”Candidates with a criminal record are required to publish or make public this information in newspapers on television thrice,” the poll panel chief added.
“The parties giving tickets to such tainted candidates have to explain why they chose them over other, more deserving, claimants. They have to clearly state the basis of selection of a candidate with a criminal background,” Kumar said.
The Commission announced that the Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases, along with assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled for May 13, while Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will have polls on April 19. Bypolls for 26 Assembly seats will also be held along with the Lok Sabha polls.
The KYC app is a significant step towards increasing transparency in the electoral process, allowing voters to make informed decisions. It provides voters with essential information about candidates, helping them choose their representatives wisely.
(With inputs from ANI)
