The Election Commission has asked Chief Complaint Redressal Officer of social networking sites to be alert regarding the usage of electronic media as well as social networking sites. The Commission has said that the Commission carries important responsibility of conducting free and fair elections under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
These directives have been formulated keeping this in view.The Commission has said that no political advertisement should be allowed on electronic media as well as social networking sites without prior certification.
The Vigilance Officer has been asked that information about political parties' expenses on advertisements displayed on sites should be provided to the commission.
The Vigilance Officer has also been asked that all material on websites should be scanned to ascertain whether there is any violation of code of conduct. The commission said if the Vigilance Officer comes to know about display of objectionable material on website, it should be removed immediately and action taken against the guilty.
Voters' awareness
For voter awareness, now messages to this effect will be announced through pubic announcement systems and railway's media propaganda mediums.
Election Commission had written a letter in this regard to the Railway Ministry. The Railway Ministry has written letters in this regard to all its general managers.
Side by side railway announcements, slogans pertaining to strong democracy will also be relayed on railway stations' public announcement systems. Voter awareness messages will also be published on the railway station premises. In this regard, Chief Electoral Officer has also talked to state's General Manager of Railways. lok Sabha elections in the state will be held in 3 phases - April 10, 17 and 24.