Local body elections: Details of maximum amount candidates can spend released, clarity on what can lead to disqualification

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The maximum amount that candidates can spend on local body election expenses has been released. It is up to Rs 25,000 in gram panchayat, Rs 75,000 in block panchayat and Rs 1,50,000 in district panchayat. A maximum of Rs 75,000 can be spent in municipality elections and Rs 1,50,000 in corporation elections. This is the maximum amount that a candidate or election agent can spend.

There will be observers in the districts to monitor the election expenses of the candidates. All the candidates who contested are required to submit the election expenses statement to their respective local body secretaries. The statement of expenses is to be submitted within 30 days from the date of the declaration of results. Candidates can also submit their election expenditure account online by logging into the website www.sec.kerala.gov.in and using the Election Expenditure module.

The expenditure statement should be submitted from the date of nomination as a candidate to the date of declaration of results. Self-attested copies of receipts, vouchers and bills should be submitted along with the statement. The candidate shall retain the original copies thereof and shall produce them for inspection if requested. Those who fail to furnish the election expenditure statement shall be disqualified by the Commission from contesting or remaining as members of the local body elections for a period of five years. The disqualification shall be effective for a period of five years from the date of the order. The Commission shall disqualify candidates if they have spent more than the prescribed limit or if it is found that they have furnished false information.