New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday asked the government to amend the electoral law to empower it to either postpone or countermand elections if evidence emerges of use of money to influence voters, a move which comes against the backdrop of parties doling out cash and gifts to woo the electorate.
In a letter to the Legislative Secretary in the Law Ministry, the Commission said a new clause '58 B' be inserted in the Representation of the People Act to allow "adjournment of poll or countermanding of election on the ground of bribery."
It has requested the government to take "early action" on its proposal.
EC officials said it would be better if the provision to cancel polls on the grounds of use of money is incorporated in the law and the Commission does not have to resort to exercising its constitutional power for the same.
Sources in the Law Ministry said under the proposed clause, EC wants power to "postpone the poll in the affected polling area or areas to such later date as the Commission may deem appropriate in the facts and circumstances of the case, appoint a fresh date..."
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