EC orders clear identification on election material for transparency

The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday instructed the clear identification of the printer and publisher on printed election-related material, such as hoardings, aiming to enhance accountability and transparency in election campaigning. The electoral body stated that this decision was made in response to representations indicating that hoardings lacking the identity of the printer or publisher have been observed in hoarding spaces managed by municipal authorities.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had recently raised the issue with the EC as well.

The EC referred to section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which forbids the printing or publishing of election pamphlets, posters, placards, or banners without prominently displaying the name and address of the printer and publisher.

Emphasizing its significance, the requirement of disclosing the identity of publishers serves as a cornerstone for regulating campaign financing and assigning responsibility in the event that content is deemed inconsistent with the framework of the Model Code of Conduct or statutory provisions, it underscored.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar recently emphasized addressing the issue of misinformation as one of the challenges, alongside money and muscle power, for ensuring a level-playing field. Kumar had also recited a couplet to underscore the importance of curbing misinformation. He described misinformation as a “bubble” which “bursts” when touched.

“With this directive, the Commission now has put the accountability on printers, publishers, licensees/contractors of urban local bodies renting out outdoor advertising space for political advertisements published on outdoor media,” it said.