Anonymous Political Posters, Hoardings Banned: Election Commission

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New Delhi: In a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in poll campaigning, the Election Commission has issued directives prohibiting anonymous political posters and hoardings. The Commission emphasized the necessity of clear identification of printers and publishers on all election-related material.

The decision comes in response to concerns raised regarding the presence of hoardings lacking proper identification in spaces controlled by municipal authorities. To address this, the Commission has instructed States and Union Territories to enforce the clear identification of printers and publishers on election-related material, including hoardings.

Moreover, the Commission highlighted recent instructions issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to its licensees and contractors regarding political advertisements on outdoor media. These instructions permit political ads for promoting parties or candidates but prohibit any advertisements against a party or candidate.

Furthermore, political advertisements funded by the exchequer for the publicity of a party or government in power are strictly prohibited. All political advertisements must receive certification or approval from the designated authority responsible for advertisement approval.

The Commission reiterated the legal requirement, outlined in section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates the prominent display of the name and address of the printer and publisher on election pamphlets, posters, placards, or banners. This requirement plays a crucial role in regulating campaign financing and assigning responsibility for any inappropriate content.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of combating misinformation, alongside challenges such as money and muscle power, for ensuring a fair electoral process. The Commission’s directive places accountability on printers, publishers, and urban local body licensees/contractors renting outdoor advertising space for political advertisements published on outdoor media.

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