New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated strict compliance with pre-certification rules for all political advertisements in print media ahead of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Election 2025 and bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies. The move aims to ensure a level playing field and curb misleading or inflammatory campaign material during the crucial pre-poll period.
According to the ECI notification issued on Tuesday, no political party, candidate, organisation, or individual will be allowed to publish any advertisement in print media on the day of polling and one day prior, unless it is pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the state or district level.
For Bihar, the restricted dates are November 5 and 6, 2025 for Phase I and November 10 and 11, 2025 for Phase II. The elections will be held on November 6 (Thursday) and November 11 (Tuesday).
The Commission clarified that applicants seeking pre-certification must submit their advertisements to the MCMC at least two days before the intended date of publication. This ensures adequate time for scrutiny and approval, preventing last-minute circulation of unverified or potentially divisive content.
In preparation for the upcoming polls, the ECI has directed the activation of all MCMC units across Bihar to expedite the examination and clearance of political advertisements. Committees have been instructed to handle applications promptly and fairly, maintaining transparency in the approval process.
The Commission’s decision aligns with its ongoing efforts to promote ethical campaigning and safeguard the integrity of elections. By tightening the certification process, the ECI seeks to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure that voters receive accurate and verified information before casting their votes.
Officials said that similar measures implemented in past elections have proven effective in maintaining the sanctity of the Model Code of Conduct and preventing the misuse of media platforms during the silence period.
With these guidelines, the ECI reiterated its commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections, urging all political stakeholders to adhere strictly to the pre-certification norms and contribute to a responsible campaign environment in Bihar.
