Kerala Polls: EC's New Directive on Political Ads

The Election Commission has mandated pre-certification of political advertisements in print media for the Kerala Assembly polls. Issued by Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar, the directive aims to prevent incendiary or misleading content from affecting the electoral process and demands compliance from all political entities by April 8.

The Election Commission has introduced a new directive aimed at regulating political advertisements in the Kerala Assembly elections on April 9. Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar issued the order late Friday evening, stipulating that all print media ads must receive prior certification by the state's Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).

The directive underscores concerns about misleading or inflammatory advertisements undermining the election process, especially during the final phase when rebuttals are challenging for opposition parties or candidates. The Commission clarified that Article 324 of the Constitution empowers it to enforce such measures, safeguarding the integrity of the elections.

Political parties and candidates are obliged to submit their advertisement content to the MCMC at least two days before publication, ensuring compliance by April 8. The move is part of the broader effort to maintain transparency and fairness at a crucial electoral juncture.

(With inputs from agencies.)