In Hyderabad, a district-level Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) has been formed 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 keep a close watch on social media activities, paid news, and advertisements. The DEO has issued guidelines stating that political parties and candidates must obtain certification from the MCMC before publishing political advertisements in print and electronic media. This certification is mandatory and the expenses incurred on these advertisements will be accounted for in the candidates’ total election expenditure.
The MCMC will be located at the CPRO section in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation headquarters. It will provide certification for advertisements, monitor paid news, and oversee political advertisements in electronic and other media related to candidates. The committee will also ensure that election pamphlets, posters, handbills, and other documents comply with the required information under the RP Act. During the election period, the committee will strictly follow guidelines to prevent attacks on religions and castes, abusive language, inappropriate remarks, incitement to violence, and any violation of court orders or the unity of the country.
Special attention will be given to identifying paid news in newspapers, electronic media channels, and social media platforms. The Election Commission has established a system to control paid news, as it has been found to influence voters in recent times. The district MCMC will identify paid news and issue notices to the candidates through the Returning Officer. The cost incurred for the paid news will be calculated and included in the candidates’ election expenses. The news channels are recording the campaigns conducted by candidates and parties in all constituencies in the 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.
