Electoral Commission warns no anonymous billboards as complaints mount

The Aam Aadmi Party also recently approached the poll panel on the issue.

New Delhi:

The Election Commission on Wednesday directed clear identification of printers and publishers on election-related printed materials, including billboards, to ensure accountability and transparency in poll campaigns.

The poll authority said the decision was taken following complaints that hoardings without the identity of the printer or publisher were found in hoarding spaces controlled by the municipality.

The Aam Aadmi Party also recently approached the EC over the issue.

The committee also drew attention to the directive issued by the Delhi Municipal Corporation to all its licensees and contractors earlier this month regarding political advertisements in outdoor media by the agency.

“While these directives allow political advertisements promoting political parties or candidates, they prohibit the publication of any political advertisements targeting political parties or candidates,” the statement said.

It noted that any financially funded political advertisements related to the propaganda of the ruling party or government are also prohibited.

“All political advertisements will be displayed only after certification/approval by the designated authority responsible for approving advertisements,” it said.

The EC pointed out that Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits the printing or publication of election pamphlets, posters, placards or banners without prominently displaying the name and address of the printer and publisher.

It emphasizes that the requirement to disclose the identity of publishers is a cornerstone of regulating campaign finance and establishing liability for content that does not comply with the Model Code of Conduct framework or the provisions of the law.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar recently highlighted that tackling misinformation is one of the challenges in leveling the playing field, along with money and manpower. Kumar also read out a couplet stressing the need to curb misinformation. He described misinformation as a “bubble” that would “pop” if touched.

“Through this directive, the Commission will now impose liability on printers, publishers, licensees/contractors of urban local bodies leasing outdoor advertising space for political advertisements published in outdoor media,” the report said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)