Election Commission Tightens Rules on Political Ads Ahead of Key Elections

The Election Commission of India has implemented new regulations requiring political parties to have their advertisements certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee before release. This initiative aims to combat misinformation and ensure transparency in the upcoming Assembly elections across several states. Candidates must also disclose their verified social media accounts and report campaign expenditures post-elections. These measures are designed to maintain the integrity of the electoral process as voters prepare for the polls on May 4.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 15:55 IST

New Guidelines for Political Advertisements

New Delhi: On Friday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) mandated that political parties must have their advertisements verified and certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) prior to their release on any electronic platforms, including social media.

This directive is particularly significant as it precedes important Assembly elections in four states and one union territory (UT), aiming to curb the dissemination of misleading and AI-generated content that could confuse voters.

The ECI emphasized that no political advertisements should be published on any internet-based media or social media platforms without prior certification from the MCMC.

As per the ECI's guidelines, political parties are required to obtain pre-certification for their advertisements from the MCMC. Additionally, candidates must provide details of their verified social media accounts.

The commission has instructed all registered political parties contesting in the elections to submit applications to the MCMC for the pre-certification of all political advertisements across electronic media, including social media, before they are published.

The ECI stated, "All registered political parties based in a State/UT can apply for certification of such advertisements with the State Level MCMC. Applications must be submitted within the designated timelines."

An Appellate Committee, led by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), has been established at the state level to handle appeals regarding decisions made by the District/State MCMC.

The MCMCs are tasked with closely monitoring potential instances of paid news.

Candidates are also required to disclose their verified social media accounts in their affidavits when filing nominations.

In accordance with Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and directives from the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, political parties must report their campaign expenditures on internet platforms, including social media, to the ECI within 75 days following the conclusion of the Assembly elections.

The elections for new members of the Legislative Assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry are scheduled for May 4, alongside by-elections in six states. The results will also be announced on May 4.