Overview

• The ECI’s October 9 directive requires parties and candidates to obtain MCMC approval before releasing any political advertisements on electronic or social platforms.
• Media Certification and Monitoring Committees at the state and district levels will administer approvals and scrutinize suspected paid news for action.
• Candidates must disclose their authentic social media accounts at the time of filing nomination papers.
• Political parties must submit a detailed statement of internet campaign expenditure within 75 days after the elections, in line with Section 77(1) of the RPA, 1951, and Supreme Court directions.
• Expense reports must itemize payments to online platforms as well as costs for content creation, promotion, and maintaining social accounts, applying to the Bihar Assembly election and announced bye-elections.