Election commission has cleared the air over pre-certification for candidates’ posts on social media. EC has released the guidelines saying that pre-certification will not be if candidates contesting Lok Sabha elections use their individual account on social media platforms to post political messages.
Contradicting reports were emanating from across on political use of social media platforms. Going by election manual, political promotions at social media platforms are to be considered paid advertisements and expenses will be added to the contestant’s expenditure.
Subject to poll code
The post of candidate from their personal accounts will have to follow the poll code norms while posting messages on social media platforms. Election commission has also clarified that internet and social media platforms also fall under ambit of Model Code of Conduct and all posts and advertisements on it should strictly follow the norms.