The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made pre-certification of political advertisements in print media mandatory during the immediate pre-poll period and on polling day for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections and bye-elections.
The directive applies to elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where polling is scheduled in phases later this month.
According to the poll body, 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 prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the state or district level.
For Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, where polling will be held on April 9, pre-certification is mandatory for advertisements published on April 8 and 9. In Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase I), going to polls on April 23, the requirement applies to April 22 and 23. For West Bengal Phase II polling on April 29, pre-certification is required for April 28 and 29.
The Commission has directed that applications for advertisement approval must be submitted at least two days before the intended publication date. Candidates and individuals can approach district-level MCMCs, while recognised political parties can apply to state-level committees.
The move is aimed at ensuring a level playing field and preventing the spread of misleading or unverified campaign material during the critical final phase of elections. The MCMCs have also been tasked with closely monitoring instances of suspected paid news and taking appropriate action where necessary.
The ECI said the mechanism has been put in place to promote transparency and uphold the integrity of the electoral process during the ongoing poll season.
