Election Commission Mandates Pre-Certification for Political Advertisements on Polling Days
- Adverts with Misleading Information to be Prohibited
Raipur, October 20, 2023 – In a move aimed at ensuring fair and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India has issued comprehensive guidelines for the Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2023. The newly released guidelines mandate pre-certification for political advertisements published in print media on polling day and the day preceding it, in addition to banning advertisements that mislead voters.
Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale disclosed the details of the circular issued by the Election Commission of India. As part of the regulations for the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, pre-certification of political advertisements in print media is required for the first phase of voting on November 6 and 7, 2023, as well as for the second phase on November 16 and 17, 2023.
These advertisements will need certification from the district or state-level media certification committee. The Election Commission of India has urged these committees to expedite the certification process for timely publication.Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale emphasized the importance of pre-certification, highlighting that misleading advertisements in print media ahead of polling days deprive affected parties and candidates of the opportunity to clarify or deny any false information.
These measures are being enforced to facilitate free, transparent, and fair elections in Chhattisgarh.