With poll dates announced, what candidates can or can’t do on social media

New Delhi, Mar 11: The Election Commission of India has announced the poll dates for the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

While making the announcement, the ECI set in motion a strict set of guidelines for candidates. The EC also put in place a set of rules for candidates on what they cannot do on the social media. Here is the list:

• Political ads being posted on Facebook or Twitter need to be pre-certified.
• Candidates will have to furnish details of their social media accounts at the time of filing their nominations.

• No unverified political advertisements can be posted on Google, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.
• Expenses incurred on social media advertising will be included in the overall election expenditure account.
• No special guidelines issued for WhatsApp
• Grievance officer has been appointed to check violations on social media.
• No hate news, fake news can be posted on social media. If found guilty action will be taken.
• All the political ads on social media will be highlighted specifically.