Moderator for common platform should be a retired judge or a reputed lawyer or a person who held high public office and is known for his integrity and commitment.

All the candidates of all recognized parties should be invited for the Common Platform. The platform is organized by the Election Watch Committee, and candidates can participate only on its invitation.

The public should be informed about the rules of common platform in advance through newspapers and other mass media.

Moderator shall spell out the rules and regulations of common platforms for five minutes at the commencement of the meeting.

There shall be no display of party slogans, election symbols or flags; no garlanding shall be allowed at the Common Platform.

Each candidate shall speak only for 10 minutes. The order of the speaker is decided by the moderator by draw of lots.

The candidates in their speeches shall not use abusive language, or ridicule other candidates.

The candidates should not use uncouth language or behave indecently. If any candidate wishes to make allegations against a rival, such allegations should be supported by specific evidence.

The audience will be allowed to ask questions after the presentations by the candidates. Atleast an hour's time will be allocated for questions. The questions should be given in writing. Only illiterates will be allowed to ask orally.

Audience should not resort to allegations in the form of questions. Any question in the form of an allegation will be admitted only when it is supported by credible evidence.

Any specific evidence with regard to the allegations made can be handed over to the moderator.

The moderator should ensure that approximately equal time is allotted to all the candidates to answer the questions. The moderator should scrutinize the written questions and put them to the candidates. There will be two members of the Election Watch Committee to assist the moderator on the dais.

The answers to the questions put forth to the candidates should be clear and pointed. The moderator should see that the candidates do not deviate from the main topic of discussion. The answers shall be brief, not exceeding one or two minutes each.

The moderator should conduct the forum in an impartial manner without any hint of support to any candidate or party.

The moderator can question the candidates on the democratic reforms advocated by Lok Satta and elicit response.

The members of Election Watch committee can also seek explanation from the candidates on democratic reforms.

Opportunity should be provided to the media such as T.V, Radio and Press to observe and record the discussions. The Common Platforms should be conducted with the full participation and involvement of media persons.

At the end of question-answer session, the candidates are given 2 minutes of time each to make concluding observations.

The moderator should elicit responses from the candidates for the 5th & 6th parts of the questionnaire in "Know Your Candidate" and obtain their commitments on democratic reforms.

At the end of the programme, the moderator may give his concluding remarks for about 5 minutes.

The Election Watch committee will appoint observers to monitor the debate and intervene when required.

People's participation on a large scale in the common platform should be ensured.

Punctuality is a critical requirement. The commencement of the meeting, presentations, and question - answer session should take place as per schedule.

The expenses for the conduct of the Common Platform can be borne by service minded organizations.

Common Platforms should be conducted in a responsible manner to ensure that the candidates are held to account by the people.