The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued comprehensive guidelines for media coverage during the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September and October 2024.
These guidelines have been formulated to ensure that the media adheres to fair and transparent media practices, more so during the 48-hour "silence period" as explained under Section 126 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1951.
ECI reiterated that no election matter shall be displayed through television, cinematograph, or similar apparatus during the 48 hours ending at the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll.
As per the ECI, "No person shall display to the public any election matter using a cinematograph, television, or other similar apparatus in any polling area during the period of forty-eight hours ending at the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in the polling area."
“The term ‘election matter’ refers to any content intended to influence the election results. Violations of this section could result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both,” said the statement issued on Thursday.
ECI said, "TV/Radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the contents of the programmes telecast/broadcast/displayed by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section 126 do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panellists/participants that may be construed as promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/affecting the result of the election."
Political advertisements will also not be aired during the silence period, even if promoted as news items or headlines.
The full guidelines place emphasis on print media adherence to the Press Council of India's guidelines and electronic media principles, referring to "Guidelines for Election Broadcasts" issued by the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA).
Social media platforms are further advised to strictly follow the "Voluntary Code of Ethics" evolved by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
The ECI further clarified that no political party, candidate, or any other organisation or person shall publish any advertisement in print media on polling day or one day prior unless the content has been pre-certified by the concerned MCMC at the State or District level.
Therefore, ECI has exhorted all the media to scrupulously follow these guidelines to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent electoral process during the forthcoming elections.
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