Pre-certify ads, ECI directs parties

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all political parties and candidates contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in six states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to obtain pre-certification for all political advertisements released on electronic and social media platforms.

ECI building in New Delhi (PTI)

The directive follows the announcement of the Bihar Assembly election schedule on October 6. In a notification issued on Tueaday, the Commission stated that every registered, national, and state political party, as well as individual contesting candidates, must submit all political advertisements for approval by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before publication or broadcast.

The ECI has constituted MCMCs at both state and district levels to scrutinize and certify advertisements in line with its existing guidelines. These committees are also tasked with monitoring media content for instances of paid news and taking appropriate action where violations are suspected.