The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland has reiterated that all political advertisements in electronic media must be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
In a communication issued by Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Alila Chang, it was stated that advertisements of political nature in electronic media require prior approval from the State-level MCMC chaired by the Additional Chief Electoral Officer. At the district level, such advertisements must be certified by the MCMC under the chairmanship of the respective Deputy Commissioners and District Election Officers.
The notification clarified that advertisements on posters, hoardings, banners and pamphlets do not require certification, provided they adhere to the Model Code of Conduct and other election-related guidelines. However, print media advertisements require certification one day prior to the poll and on the day of polling.
The communication referred to earlier guidelines issued by the Election Commission regarding pre-certification and monitoring of political advertisements and paid news.
The guidelines state, “Pre-certification means prior clearance, in advance of usage of political advertisements by the Committee before being telecast/broadcast on TV and Cable network/Cable Channels, advertisements to be displayed year round in Cinema Halls, Radio including private FM Channels, audio-visual displays in public places, advertisements in e-newspapers, use of bulk SMS/voice messages, advertisements on social media and internet websites by any registered political party or by any group of organization/ association or by any contesting candidate.”
It further stated that social media and internet platforms are also treated as electronic media and therefore fall under the same pre-certification requirements.
“All political advertisements proposed to be issued on all forms of electronic media including Audio-visual displays at public places require pre-certification but is not applicable on the flex hoardings, Wallpapers, Pamphlets etc., though, such advertisements must adhere to provisions of Model Code of Conduct and other election related laws/ guidelines.”
The office also clarified that pre-certification is applicable throughout the year and not limited to the election period. However, for platforms such as radio, private FM channels and bulk SMS or voice messages, the rules apply specifically during the election period.
All concerned have been directed to follow the guidelines and take necessary action accordingly.