The Election Commission of India has formed a District Level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) in Hyderabad to monitor the use of social media, advertisements, and other campaigns by political parties and candidates. The committee, headed by the District Election Officer (DEO), will ensure that political advertisements on platforms like social media are certified before they are made public. Political parties and candidates must also keep a record of the expenses they incur on advertisements, which will be included in their total election expenditure.
The DEO has stated that obtaining certification from the MCMC is mandatory for political advertisements in print and electronic media. The MCMC will be located in the CPRO section at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation headquarters. The committee will issue certifications for advertisements, monitor paid news, and oversee political advertisements in various media platforms.
To prevent attacks on religions and castes, use of abusive language, incitement to violence, and other violations during elections, the committee will strictly follow guidelines set by the Election Commission. The MCMC will also identify instances of paid news in newspapers, electronic media channels, and social media, and take action accordingly.
The Election Commission has established a special system to control paid news at the field level. The District MCMC will identify instances of paid news and issue notices to the candidates involved. The cost incurred will be calculated based on the rate card provided by the Information Department, and candidates will be required to include these expenses in their election expenditure.
DEO Ronald Rose has stated that they are recording the news coverage of campaigns conducted by candidates and parties across all constituencies in Hyderabad district. The expenses related to paid news and advertisements will be included in the candidates’ election expenses from the time they file their nominations.
