New Delhi, October 9: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all political parties and candidates contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in six states and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to seek prior approval for all political advertisements before publishing them on electronic or social media platforms.
The directive, issued on October 9, follows the announcement of the election schedule on October 6, 2025.
As per the order, every registered national and state political party, as well as individual candidates, must apply to the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) for pre-certification of political advertisements.
The rule applies to all electronic and internet-based platforms, including social media sites.
MCMCs, which operate at both district and state levels, will oversee the process of certifying advertisements and monitor media outlets for instances of paid news, taking action where required.
In view of the growing influence of digital campaigning, the ECI has also made it mandatory for candidates to declare their authentic social media accounts at the time of filing nominations.
Citing Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Supreme Court directives, the Commission has reminded political parties that they must submit detailed statements of expenditure incurred on online and social media campaigning within 75 days of the conclusion of the elections.
The expenditure report must include payments made to internet companies and websites for advertisements, as well as costs related to content creation and the maintenance of social media accounts.
The move is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in political advertising ahead of the polls.
Political advts must get MCMC nod
