New Delhi, April 6, 2026:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued comprehensive guidelines mandating pre-certification of political advertisements in print media ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections and bye-elections, reinforcing measures to ensure free and fair campaigning.
The Commission had earlier announced the election schedule on March 15 for Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six other states.
As per the new directives, no political party, candidate, organisation, or individual will be allowed to publish advertisements in print media on the day of polling or one day prior without obtaining prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the state or district level.
The ECI clarified that individual candidates and applicants must approach the District MCMC for certification, while recognised political parties based in a state or Union Territory can seek approval from the State-level MCMC.
State-wise Pre-Certification Timeline:
For states going to polls on April 9—Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry—pre-certification will be mandatory for advertisements published on April 8 and 9.
In Tamil Nadu, where polling is scheduled for April 23, certification will be required for ads published on April 22 and 23.
West Bengal, which will conduct elections in two phases on April 23 and April 29, will require pre-certification on April 22 and 23 for Phase I, and April 28 and 29 for Phase II.
The Commission has directed that applications for certification must be submitted at least two days in advance of the intended publication date. MCMCs have been activated across states and districts to ensure timely scrutiny and approvals.
In addition to regulating advertisements, the ECI has tasked monitoring committees with maintaining strict vigilance against paid news and taking necessary action against violations.
Meanwhile, in a major enforcement update, the Commission revealed that authorities have seized illegal cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and inducements worth over ₹650 crore in poll-bound states.
According to the ECI, total seizures have reached ₹651.51 crore since the activation of the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS) on February 26, reflecting intensified surveillance and strict enforcement to curb electoral malpractices.
The measures underscore the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inducement-free and transparent elections across the country.
