Election Commission Mandates Pre-Certification for Political Ads in Print Media Ahead of Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections

• Guidelines Implemented to Curb Misleading Advertisements; Quick Decision Process by Media Certification Committees Urged

TFP Bureau, Raipur; Nov 15, 2023: In an effort to maintain transparency and fairness in the Chhattisgarh Assembly General Election-2023, the Election Commission of India has issued comprehensive guidelines to curb the publication of misleading political advertisements across electronic and social media, as well as print media. Notably, pre-certification for political advertisements in print media on the day before voting and the actual voting day has been made mandatory under these guidelines.

Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale shared details about the circular issued by the Election Commission, emphasizing the importance of pre-certification for political advertisements slated for publication on November 16 and 17, the day before and on the day of the second phase of voting for Chhattisgarh Assembly elections. According to the guidelines, political advertisements must undergo pre-certification from the district or state-level media certification committee before being published. The Election Commission has urged these committees to expedite their decision-making process on certification applications.

Mrs. Kangale highlighted the critical need for pre-certification, stating that misleading advertisements, once published, limit the affected parties or candidates from providing any clarification or rebuttal. This move is aimed at ensuring free, transparent, and fair elections by preventing the dissemination of misleading information through political advertisements in print media.