Title: Election Commission of India Mandates Transparency in Political Hoardings
In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and accountability in election-related communications, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directives aimed at cracking down on anonymous political hoardings. The directive, issued on Wednesday, mandates all political parties to ensure clear disclosure of the printer and publisher’s identification on printed election-related material.
The decision, orchestrated by the Commission comprising Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, follows numerous representations received by the poll panel. These representations highlighted instances of hoardings lacking the identity of the printer or publisher, particularly in advertising spaces under municipal authorities’ control.
According to the ECI, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, unequivocally prohibits the printing or publishing of election pamphlets, posters, placards, or banners without prominently displaying the name and address of the printer and publisher.
An ECI official emphasized that this requirement of disclosing publishers’ identities serves as a pivotal measure for regulating campaign financing and holding individuals accountable in case of content violating the Model Code of Conduct or statutory provisions.
CEC Rajiv Kumar has previously underscored the challenge of misinformation, alongside issues of financial and coercive influences, for ensuring a fair electoral landscape.
With this directive, the Commission places accountability on printers, publishers, licensees, and contractors of Urban Local Bodies involved in renting out outdoor advertising space for political advertisements.
This move aligns with the ECI’s recent advisory to newspaper editors, urging caution in publishing political advertisements. The ECI’s proactive measures aim to foster greater transparency and integrity in the electoral process, safeguarding the democratic principles at the heart of India’s governance.
