The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all political parties and candidates contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in six states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to obtain pre-certification for all political advertisements released on electronic and social media platforms.
This directive follows the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election schedule on October 6. In a notification issued on Tuesday, the Commission stated that every registered, national, and state political party, as well as individual contesting candidates, must submit all political advertisements for approval by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before publication or broadcast.
The ECI has established MCMCs at both state and district levels to meticulously review and certify advertisements in accordance with its existing guidelines. These committees are also responsible for monitoring media content for any instances of paid news and taking appropriate action if violations are suspected.
The Commission has clarified that no political advertisements can be published on any internet-based media, including social media platforms, without prior certification from the relevant MCMC. Officials indicate that this measure is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency in election campaigns and ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
Recognizing the growing significance of digital campaigning, the ECI has also mandated that candidates must provide details of their authentic social media accounts when filing their nomination papers. This requirement is intended to prevent impersonation and facilitate better monitoring of online campaign activities.
This directive is based on provisions outlined in Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which governs election expenditure, and aligns with previous Supreme Court directives emphasizing transparency in political spending on digital platforms.
Under these regulations, political parties are required to submit a comprehensive statement of expenditure for internet-based campaigning within 75 days of the conclusion of the Assembly elections. This statement must detail all payments made to internet companies and websites for advertisements, as well as the costs associated with developing digital campaign content and managing social media operations.