ECI Mandates Pre-Certification of Poll Ads
Parties, candidates must get MCMC nod; social media accounts to be disclosed
- ECI makes pre-certification mandatory for all political ads
- Applies to TV, radio, digital and social media platforms
- Candidates must declare official social media accounts
- Strict vigil on paid news, fake content during elections
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th March: The Election Commission of India has mandated pre-certification of all political advertisements by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in multiple states.
The directive applies to advertisements across electronic and digital platforms, including television, radio, public display systems, e-papers, bulk messaging services and social media.
According to the Commission, no political party, candidate or organisation can release advertisements on any internet-based platform without prior approval from the respective MCMC.
Candidates can seek certification from district-level MCMCs, while recognised political parties can approach State-level committees. An appellate mechanism has also been established under the Chief Electoral Officer to review decisions.
The poll body has further directed candidates to disclose details of their authentic social media accounts in their nomination affidavits, aiming to enhance transparency in digital campaigning.
MCMCs have been tasked with closely monitoring instances of paid news and taking appropriate action against violations.
In line with Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, political parties will also be required to submit detailed expenditure reports on digital campaigning, including payments made to internet platforms and costs incurred in content creation and account management, within 75 days of election completion.
The Commission recently held a बैठक with Chief Electoral Officers, police nodal officers, IT officials and representatives of social media platforms to ensure coordinated action against misinformation, disinformation and fake news during the election period.
The move is to ensure fair campaigning, transparency and curbing the misuse of digital platforms in the electoral process.
