ECI Mandates Pre-Certification of Print Ads Before Poll Days
MCMC approval compulsory for political ads ahead of voting dates
- ECI makes pre-certification mandatory for print ads before polling
- Rule applies to poll day and one day prior
- MCMC activated at state and district levels
- Strict vigil ordered against paid news
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th April: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made pre-certification of political advertisements in print media mandatory for poll day and the preceding day to ensure a level playing field during the ongoing Assembly elections.
The directive applies to elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, as well as bye-elections in six states. According to the Commission, no political party, candidate, organisation or individual can publish print advertisements during the specified period without prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
The pre-certification rule will be enforced on April 8 and 9 for Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, April 22 and 23 for Tamil Nadu, and across two phases in West Bengal—April 22-23 (Phase I) and April 28-29 (Phase II).
Candidates and individuals must apply to the District-level MCMC, while recognised political parties can approach the State-level MCMC for approval. Applications must be submitted at least two days prior to the intended publication date.
The Commission has activated MCMCs at both state and district levels to ensure timely scrutiny and approval of advertisements. It has also directed these committees to maintain strict vigilance against instances of paid news and take necessary action wherever violations are detected.
The move is aimed at maintaining transparency and fairness in campaigning, especially during the critical pre-poll period when voter influence is most sensitive.
