The Election Commission of India has made pre-approval mandatory for political advertisements in newspapers during the critical pre-poll period and on polling days for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections and related bypolls.
The directive comes after the Commission announced the election schedule for states including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Officials said the step is aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and a level playing field during the campaign period.
Under the new guidelines, no political advertisement can be published in print media on the day of polling or the preceding day without prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC). The rule applies to political parties, candidates, organisations, and individuals seeking to publish election-related content.
The Commission has also laid out a clear approval mechanism. Candidates and private individuals must obtain certification from district-level MCMCs, while recognised political parties at the state or Union Territory level are required to seek clearance from the respective state-level committees.
Specific timelines have been defined for each state. For Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, where polling is scheduled for April 9, advertisements intended for April 8 and 9 must be pre-approved. In Tamil Nadu, going to polls on April 23, the requirement applies to April 22 and 23. In West Bengal, which will have two-phase polling on April 23 and April 29, certification will be required for advertisements published on April 22–23 and April 28–29.
To prevent last-minute delays, the Commission has directed applicants to submit requests for certification at least two days prior to publication.
Officials added that Media Certification and Monitoring Committees have already been activated across districts and states to expedite approvals and closely monitor violations. These committees will also track suspected cases of paid news and take necessary action to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
