Bans election matter on TV, Radio 48 hours before polling
Political Ads, bulk SMS banned during poll silence period
Enforces strict media code
Mandates pre-certification for print ads before polling
Jammu, Aug 28: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released a set of comprehensive guidelines for media coverage during the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled for September and October 2024.
The guidelines are aimed at ensuring fair and transparent media practices during the critical election period, especially within the 48-hour “silence period” as defined by Section 126 of the Representation of the People (R.P.) Act, 1951.
The ECI emphasized that during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of the poll, displaying any election matter by means of television, cinematograph, or similar apparatus is strictly prohibited.
According to the ECI, “No person shall display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television, or other similar apparatus in any polling area during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in the polling area.
“The term “election matter” refers to any content intended to influence the election results. Violations of this section could result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both,” said the statement issued here today.
The ECI has reiterated that “TV/Radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the contents of the programs telecast/broadcast/displayed by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section 126 do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/affecting the result of the election.” The guidelines extend to political advertisements, which are prohibited from being aired during the silence period, even if they are disguised as news items or headlines.
Furthermore, the ECI addressed the conduct of exit polls, reminding media outlets that Section 126A of the R.P. Act prohibits the conduct of exit polls and dissemination of their results from the start of polling until half an hour after the conclusion of polling in all states and Union Territories.
The guidelines also include detailed instructions for print media, emphasizing adherence to the Press Council of India’s guidelines, and for electronic media, referring to the “Guidelines for Election Broadcasts” issued by the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA). Additionally, social media platforms are reminded to comply with the “Voluntary Code of Ethics” developed by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
The ECI further highlighted that no political party, candidate, or any other organization or person shall publish any advertisement in print media on polling day or the day before, unless the content has been pre-certified by the relevant Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the State or District level.
The ECI urges all media outlets to strictly observe these guidelines to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process during the upcoming elections.
