The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday instructed all political parties and candidates to get pre-certification for their advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before the Bihar Elections and bye-elections in eight areas across six States and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, and counting of votes will take place on November 14. The bye-elections in seven states and Union Territories will happen on November 11, with results announced on the same day as Bihar’s — November 14.
Pre-Certification for Political Ads Mandatory before Bihar elections
In an official statement, the ECI noted that every registered national and state political party, along with all contesting candidates, submit applications to the MCMC for pre-certification of all political ads on electronic media, including social media platforms, before they are published.
MCMCs set up at both the State and District levels to ensure compliance with the guidelines. Political ads not posted on any internet-based media or social media websites without prior clearance from the respective MCMC. The committees will also keep a close watch against suspected paid news in the media and will take action as needed, the poll body added.
Social media proofs mandatory
Given the role of social media in elections, the Commission has also required candidates to share details of their real social media accounts when filing nominations.
Moreover, according to Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Supreme Court of India’s directions, political parties must submit a statement of expenses related to internet-based campaigning, including social media ads, within 75 days after the Bihar Elections conclude.
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