REGULATORY · COMPETITIVE · INDIA
Election Commission mandates pre-certification and social-media disclosure
Change
The Election Commission of India mandated pre-certification of political advertisements and compulsory disclosure of social-media usage by all stakeholders during the Assembly elections.
Why it matters
The Commission's directive mandates pre-certification of political ads; candidates can seek certification from District Model Code Monitoring Committees (MCMCs) and state parties from State MCMCs. An appellate mechanism under each state's Chief Electoral Officer will review disputes arising from certification decisions. The directive requires stakeholders to disclose social-media usage and coordinate with enforcement mechanisms. The directive reiterates that election expenditure reporting must include digital and social-media campaign spending and sets a 75-day deadline for post-election submissions.
Implications
- · Candidates and parties are required to obtain ad certification from District or State MCMCs before running digital political advertisements.
- · Social-media platforms and campaign teams are subject to mandatory disclosure obligations and coordination with enforcement officers.
- · Digital and social-media campaign spending must be reported in election expenditure accounts and submitted within the 75-day post-election window.
- · Certification disputes can be escalated to the Chief Electoral Officer appellate mechanism at the state level.
Who is affected
- · Political parties
- · Candidates
- · Social media platforms
- · Election administrators (District/State MCMCs, Chief Electoral Officers)
What to watch
- · Election expenditure reports due within 75 days after election conclusion
Source
Topics
Law & Public Safety Regulatory Actions Compliance Technology & Innovation Social Media