Election Commission: Ahead of the Bihar elections, the Election Commission has issued several instructions for political parties and candidates. Accordingly, all parties must pre-certify their advertisements with the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee; candidates must provide the Commission with information about their official social media accounts.
The Election Commission has announced the dates for the general elections to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and by-elections to eight assembly seats in six states, including Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the Commission has also issued new guidelines for political parties and candidates. On October 9, 2025, the Election Commission ordered that all national and state political parties, as well as candidates contesting the elections, must obtain pre-certification of their political advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before campaigning on any electronic media or social media.
Pre-verification of Advertisements and Social Accounts
As per the Election Commission’s directive, it will be mandatory to obtain MCMC approval before releasing any political advertisement on the internet or social media. MCMCs have been established in all states and districts to scrutinize advertisements and conduct pre-verification as per the guidelines.
Monitoring Misleading News
The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee will also closely monitor suspicious cases such as ‘paid news’ and take necessary action. All contesting candidates will be required to provide details of their verified social media accounts to the Election Commission when filing their nominations.
Sharing of Election Expenditure Details
Sharing of election expenditure details has also been made mandatory. In accordance with Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Supreme Court directives, political parties must submit details of expenditure incurred on social media and internet campaigning to the Election Commission within 75 days of the conclusion of the Assembly elections. This will include payments to internet companies, the cost of preparing advertising content, and the cost of operating social media accounts.
Overall, this step by the Election Commission is aimed at ensuring transparency in digital campaigning and social media. The Commission aims to ensure that political campaigning is honest and in compliance with the rules.
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