The Election Commission of India (ECI) directed all political parties and candidates to get pre-certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before releasing political ads. This applies to electronic media, including social media, to ensure transparency and accountability.
The order follows the Bihar Assembly elections schedule and bye-elections in eight constituencies across six states and Jammu & Kashmir. MCMCs have been set up at district and state levels to supervise the pre-certification process according to ECI guidelines.
Political parties and candidates cannot release ads on any internet-based media without MCMC approval. The committee will monitor paid news cases and act where necessary. Candidates must provide verified social media account details during nomination.
The ECI also instructed parties to submit detailed expenditure statements within 75 days of elections. This includes payments to internet companies, content creation, and social media operational costs. The move aligns with Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Supreme Court directions.
