What are the ECI's New Guidelines for Print Ads in Bihar Elections?
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Synopsis
The ECI has laid down strict guidelines for print advertisements in the upcoming Bihar elections. Discover what this means for political parties and candidates as they gear up for a competitive electoral landscape. Ensure your campaign is compliant and fair.
Key Takeaways
- Pre-certification of print ads is mandatory for the Bihar elections.
- Polling is scheduled for November 6 and 11.
- No ads can be published on the day before polling unless certified.
- Employers must provide a paid holiday for voters on polling days.
- Strict compliance with ECI guidelines is necessary for all parties.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (NationPress) As the Bihar elections approach, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently released a notification concerning the pre-certification of print advertisements for both the pre-poll phase and the polling day.
According to P. Pawan, Deputy Director of the ECI, the commission has formalized the schedule for the 2025 General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar, along with by-elections in eight Assembly constituencies. The voting dates are set for November 6 and November 11.
To maintain a fair campaigning environment, the ECI stipulates that no political party, candidate, organization, or individual may publish any print advertisement on the day of the polls or the day before unless the content has received pre-certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at either the State or District level.
For Bihar, the restricted dates are November 5 and 6 for Phase I, and November 10 and 11 for Phase II, as outlined by the ECI.
Those seeking pre-certification for political print advertisements must submit their applications to the MCMC at least two days prior to the intended publication date. To ensure timely processing, MCMC at both the State and District levels has been established to review and pre-certify advertisements efficiently.
On October 18, the ECI also declared a paid holiday for voters on the two polling days for the Bihar Assembly elections, warning employers against penalizing employees who take leave on November 6 and 11.
The ECI has urged State governments to enforce necessary measures for strict adherence to these regulations, ensuring that every elector can exercise their right to vote freely and conveniently.
In accordance with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, anyone employed in any trade, business, or establishment who is eligible to vote is entitled to a paid holiday on polling day.
Point of View
It's crucial to uphold democratic processes. The ECI's new guidelines aim to ensure transparency and fairness during the Bihar elections, reflecting our commitment to integrity in reporting. We stand with the nation to promote informed voting and fair campaigning.
NationPress
21/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new ECI notification about?
The ECI has issued a notification for the pre-certification of print advertisements for the Bihar elections to ensure fair campaigning.
When are the polling dates for the Bihar elections?
The polling will take place on November 6 and November 11 for the Bihar Assembly elections.
What is required for political advertisements on polling days?
Political advertisements must be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee before being published on polling days.
What are the restricted days for advertising?
The restricted days for advertising are November 5 and 6 for Phase I and November 10 and 11 for Phase II.
What happens if employers penalize voters taking leave?
Employers will face penalties if they deduct wages from employees who take leave on the polling days as per ECI's directive.
