STAR CAMPAIGNERS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Election Commission rebuffs defenses from ruling and opposition parties regarding violations of the model code of conduct, urging their presidents to instruct star campaigners to abstain from remarks exacerbating communal or caste divides.

Star Campaigners

• Definition: Star campaigners are usually the top leaders of a political party but can include other celebrities as well.

o The only requirement is that these persons have to be members of the political party that appoints them. 

Legal Provisions

• Membership Requirement: Star campaigners, according to the RP Act, must be members of the political party that appoints them.

o Section 77 of the RP Act defines 'leaders of a political party' as star campaigners.

• Maximum Number: A recognized national or State political party can appoint a maximum of 40 star campaigners.

o A registered unrecognised political party can appoint up to 20 star campaigners.

• Notification Requirement: The names of the star campaigners must be communicated to the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the States within seven days from the date of notification of such election.
• Multi-phase Election Provision: In the case of a multi-phase election, a political party can submit a separate list of star campaigners for different phases.
• Single List for the Entire State: Despite the provision for separate lists for different phases, it is observed that all major parties provide a single list for a State that is applicable for all phases.