TFP Bureau, Raipur; April 2,2024: In a bid to maintain fair and impartial coverage during the Lok Sabha Election-2024, the Election Commission of India has introduced comprehensive guidelines, including a ban on the publication of political articles in print media on polling day and one day before polling, without pre-certification.
Under the new guidelines, any political article or advertisement published in print media must undergo pre-certification by the district or state-level media certification committee. This pre-approval process applies to publications scheduled for the day before voting across the seven stages of polling in the country.
Dr. Reena Baba Saheb Kangale, Chief Portfolio, highlighted the importance of these guidelines, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in media coverage during elections. She noted that pre-certification ensures that political content adheres to ethical standards and provides an opportunity for affected parties to address any inaccuracies or misconceptions.
The Election Commission’s instructions mandate that applications for certification must be submitted to the Media Certification Committee at least two days before the proposed publication date of the advertisement. This process aims to streamline the approval process and ensure timely dissemination of information.
Mrs. Kangale stressed the significance of these guidelines in upholding the integrity of the electoral process, particularly by preventing the spread of misinformation or biased coverage. By enforcing pre-certification for political content, the Election Commission aims to promote fairness and transparency in media coverage leading up to the Lok Sabha Election-2024.
