Election Commission of India Mandates Certification for Political Ads Before Online Release
Synopsis
In a significant move, the Election Commission of India has instructed political parties to secure certification for their advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee before any online release, aiming to prevent misleading information from reaching voters ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
The Election Commission of India mandates certification of political advertisements.
Certification is required before any online release, including social media.
Political parties must disclose their official social media accounts.
Applications for certification must adhere to set timelines.
Monitoring of paid news is a key responsibility of the MCMCs.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated that political parties obtain verification and certification for their advertisements from its media certification division before they are published on any electronic platforms, including social media.
This directive precedes significant Assembly elections in four states and a Union Territory (UT) and is intended to curb the dissemination of misleading and AI-generated content that could mislead voters.
The Election Commission stated, "Political advertisements must not be released on any online media, including social media, without prior certification from the relevant MCMC."
As per the EC's instructions, political parties are required to seek pre-certification for their advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC). Additionally, candidates must provide details about their official social media accounts.
The Commission has called upon all registered political parties and candidates to apply to the MCMC for pre-certification of all political advertisements on electronic media (including TV, radio, public display AVs, e-papers, and bulk SMS/voice messages), along with social media, prior to publication.
All registered political parties based in a state or UT can submit applications for advertisement certification to the State Level MCMC. The applications should adhere to the specified timelines.
An Appellate Committee, led by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), has been established at the state level to address appeals related to the decisions made by the District/State MCMC.
The MCMCs are tasked with closely monitoring potential instances of paid news.
Candidates are also required to disclose their official social media account details in their nomination affidavit.
The EC statement added, "As per Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and directives from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, political parties must also report their campaign expenditures incurred through the internet, including social media platforms, to the ECI within 75 days following the conclusion of the assembly elections."
The elections to choose new representatives for the Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry are scheduled for April, with results expected on May 4. Additionally, by-elections in six states will also be conducted, with results to be declared on May 4.
Point of View
This directive by the ECI reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in political advertising. In an age where misinformation can spread rapidly, ensuring that political communications are verified is not only timely but essential for a healthy democracy.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new directive from the Election Commission of India?
The Election Commission of India has directed political parties to obtain certification for their advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee before releasing them on electronic platforms.
Why is this directive being implemented?
This directive aims to prevent the spread of misleading and AI-generated content that may misguide voters ahead of crucial elections.
What types of advertisements require certification?
All political advertisements on electronic media, including TV, radio, public displays, and social media, must be certified before publication.
What must candidates disclose regarding social media?
Candidates are required to share the details of their official social media accounts in their nomination affidavits.
What is the timeline for applying for advertisement certification?
Political parties must submit their applications for advertisement certification within specified timelines set by the MCMC.
