The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all political parties and candidates contesting in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections to obtain pre-certification for their advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC). The rule will apply to all political ads released on electronic media, including social media platforms, ahead of the polls.
According to the ECI, every national and state political party, as well as individual candidates, must submit their ad content to the MCMC before publication. The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent the spread of misleading or paid news during the election period. The commission has also set up MCMC units at both state and district levels to monitor compliance and take necessary action against violations.
Political advertisements will not be allowed on any online or social media platform without prior approval from these committees. The MCMCs will also keep a close watch on suspected cases of paid news and ensure strict adherence to guidelines.
The Election Commission further instructed all candidates to provide details of their official social media accounts when filing nomination papers. This step is expected to help track online campaigns and curb fake or unofficial pages that might mislead voters.
In addition, political parties are required to submit detailed statements of their digital campaign expenses within 75 days after the completion of the elections. This includes all payments made to internet companies, ad agencies, and content creators. The direction is in line with Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Supreme Court’s instructions on election expenditure transparency.
Bihar is set to vote in two phases on November 6 and November 11 with counting scheduled for November 14. The same date will also see the results of bye-elections taking place across several states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission confirmed that District Election Officers in all 18 districts going to polls in the first phase have completed the randomisation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). Lists of the randomly selected machines have been shared with representatives of all recognized political parties.
The commission’s latest measures highlight its focus on ensuring fair campaigning and maintaining the integrity of elections amid the growing influence of digital media.
