Delhi Elections : From Ads to Posts…EC is keeping a close watch on social media, these mistakes will cost you heavily..

The Commission has assigned the task of overseeing advertisements and all social media posts related to the Delhi elections to the Delhi Election Office. Prompt action will be taken against parties and their candidates for excessive spending, objectionable posts, and claims on social media that are not included in the manifesto.

Delhi Elections

Delhi Elections : With the Delhi Assembly elections approaching, the Election Commission is closely monitoring the social media activities of political parties. The Delhi Election Office has been tasked with overseeing advertisements and all social media posts.

Immediate action will be taken against excessive spending, objectionable posts, and claims beyond the manifesto by parties and their candidates on social media.

Since political parties have embraced social media as a key campaign tool, the Election Commission established guidelines during the Lok Sabha elections ten years ago.

Based on these guidelines, the Delhi Election Office will also oversee the social media campaigning and spending of political parties and candidates during the upcoming elections in the capital.

In 2014, social media was included under the Model Code of Conduct. Additionally, platforms like Facebook and Google pledged to monitor content in light of the elections.

According to the Election Commission's guidelines, websites such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat are classified as social media.

Major guidelines of Election Commission

These measures were taken due to the growing influence of social media. Because of this, the Commission decided to include materials posted on social media by all political parties and candidates under the election code of conduct during the 2014 general elections.

The Election Commission stated that social media must be regulated to ensure transparency and equal opportunities in elections.

The Election Commission also noted that election laws are often violated on social media. According to the new guidelines, candidates must provide information about their email ID and other authorized social media accounts in the affidavit submitted during nomination filing.

Before publishing political advertisements on any internet-based platform, approval must be obtained from the officer appointed by the Election Commission. Political parties and candidates are prohibited from posting unverified advertisements, pictures of security personnel, hate speech, and fake news on their social media accounts.

Posting any content that could disrupt the electoral process or threaten peace, social harmony, and public order is forbidden.