ECI Issues Guidelines For Pre-Certification Of Print Ads Ahead Of Bihar Assembly Polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday released a notification outlining the rules for pre-certifying print advertisements during the pre-election period and on polling days in Bihar.

Deputy Director of the ECI, P Pawan, stated, “The ECI has announced the schedule for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar, 2025, and the by-elections for eight Assembly constituencies. The dates of polling have been fixed for November 6 and November 11.”

To maintain a level playing field during the campaign, the Commission has directed that no political party, candidate, organisation, or individual may publish advertisements in print media on the polling day or the day before it without prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the state or district level.

For Bihar, the restricted dates will be November 5 and 6 for the first phase and November 10 and 11 for the second phase of polling.

The Commission further added that those seeking approval for political advertisements must submit applications to the MCMC at least two days before the proposed publication. Committees at both the state and district levels are actively reviewing and clearing advertisements to prevent any delay.

Paid Holiday Announced for Voters

Earlier, on 18 October, the ECI announced paid holidays for employed voters in Bihar on the polling days, November 6 and 11.

It also cautioned employers against deducting wages for employees availing this leave, warning that any violation would attract penalties.

The circular noted, “The Commission has directed State governments to issue necessary instructions to all concerned for strict compliance with these provisions and to ensure that all electors can exercise their franchise freely and conveniently.”

In addition to the Bihar Assembly elections, by-elections in eight Assembly constituencies across seven states will also take place on November 11, according to the ECI’s schedule.

“As per Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or other establishment and entitled to vote shall granted a paid holiday on the polling day,” P Pawan further added.

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