Candidates must declare verified social media accounts; Says ECI ahead of Bihar Elections

The Election Commission has clarified that every candidate contesting the assembly elections will be required to provide information about their verified social media accounts when filing their nomination.

New Delhi: With the announcement of the dates for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections to eight assembly seats in six states, including Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission (ECI) has issued new guidelines for political parties and candidates. This move by the Commission is aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness in social media and digital campaigning.

Candidates To Provide Information About Social Media Accounts

The Election Commission has clarified that every candidate contesting the assembly elections will be required to provide information about their verified social media accounts when filing their nomination. This is intended to ensure that no candidate can campaign through anonymous or fake accounts.

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MCMC Approval Will Be Required

Now, any political party or candidate will be required to obtain pre-certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before publishing advertisements on electronic media or social media. This committee operates in all districts and states and evaluates and approves the content of advertisements. Broadcasting any political advertisement without certification will be considered a violation of the rules.

Strict Monitoring of Paid News and Misinformation

The MCMC committee will closely monitor paid news and misleading news. The Election Commission has stated that while media freedom must be maintained, propaganda or misinformation masquerading as news will be prevented at all costs. If any candidate or party is found indulging in such activities, appropriate legal action will be taken against them.

Accounting for Social Media Campaign Expenses

Citing Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Supreme Court orders, the Election Commission has stated that political parties and candidates must provide complete details of their social media campaigning. This information is mandatory to be provided within 75 days of the completion of the Assembly elections.

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This Will Include Following Expenses:

• Payments to social media companies
• Costs for preparing advertising content
• Expenses incurred on operating social media accounts

Initiative To Bring Transparency To Digital Campaigning

This move by the Election Commission is considered important in ensuring control and transparency of digital campaigning in the upcoming elections. The Commission's clear message is that technology should be used in the electoral process, but it should remain within the bounds of rules and ethics.

These new Election Commission guidelines clearly indicate that digital and social media will now be subject to the same discipline as traditional election campaigning. This will not only prevent fraudulent campaigning but will also hold candidates and parties accountable.