Election candidates with a criminal record will have to advertise it on television and in newspapers at least thrice during the campaign period, according to a rule introduced last year that will be used in this Lok Sabha election for the first time.

The rule was issued by the Election Commission on October 10, 2018.

Political parties, too, will have to give publicity to the criminal record of candidates fielded by them.

The criminal record will have to be publicised at least on three different dates in widely circulated newspapers and on popular television channels during the campaign period.

Candidates with no criminal record will have to declare that.

Political parties will be “obliged” to put out information about the candidates on their websites. Failure to comply could lead to their recognition being withdrawn or suspended.