Delhi Elections: EC Intensifies Social Media Monitoring, Heavy Penalties for Violations

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, the Election Commission (EC) is closely monitoring the social media activities of political parties. The Delhi Election Office has been tasked with overseeing advertisements and posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to ensure compliance with election guidelines.

Immediate action will be taken against heavy campaign expenditures, objectionable content and claims made on social media that are not part of official manifestos. Social media platforms have become a critical tool for election campaigning, prompting the EC to introduce guidelines for regulating their use during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Under these guidelines, which are now applicable to the Delhi elections the Election Office will track campaign spending and social media activities of political parties and candidates. Social media content was brought under the Model Code of Conduct in 2014 and platforms like Facebook and Google have since committed to monitoring election-related content.

Key Guidelines from the Election Commission

Social Media Oversight: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube fall under the ambit of social media regulations.

Nomination Requirements: Candidates must disclose their email IDs and all authorized social media accounts in the affidavit submitted during nomination filing.

Ad Approval: All political advertisements on internet-based platforms require prior approval from an officer appointed by the EC.

Prohibited Content: Political parties and candidates are barred from posting unverified advertisements, hate speech, fake news or images of security forces.

Content Restrictions: Any material that disrupts the electoral process, threatens peace, social harmony or public order is prohibited.

The EC has emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in elections, stating that violations on social media undermine these principles. By enforcing these measures, the Election Commission aims to ensure equal opportunities and a level playing field for all political parties during the Delhi Assembly elections.