New Delhi, October 14, 2025: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued new directions mandating all registered political parties and contesting candidates to obtain pre-certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for any political advertisements released on electronic or social media platforms.
The move comes after the Commission announced the schedule for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections to eight Assembly constituencies across six States and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on October 6, 2025.
In its order dated October 9, 2025, the ECI emphasized that no political advertisement shall be released on internet-based media, including social media platforms, without prior approval from the respective District or State-level MCMC, constituted under prescribed guidelines.
The committees will also maintain a strict vigil against paid news and take action in cases of violation. Additionally, candidates are now required to submit details of their official social media accounts when filing nominations, in a bid to enhance transparency in digital campaigning.
Under Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and as directed by the Supreme Court of India, political parties must also submit a statement of election expenditure to the ECI within 75 days of the completion of assembly polls.
The expenditure statement must include payments made to internet companies and websites for advertisements, as well as content creation costs and operational expenses related to managing social media accounts.
The new framework is part of ECI’s continuing efforts to ensure fair, transparent, and accountable campaigning in the age of digital and social media influence.
Source: PIB
