In preparation for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Thoothukudi District Collector and District Election Officer Vishu Mahajan has introduced a comprehensive advisory requiring certification for all political ads. A Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) has been established to review and authorize election-related ads by political entities and candidates. The initiative aims to promote transparency, combat misinformation, and ensure a fair campaign environment.
To maintain transparency and fairness, all political ads on various platforms, including TV, radio, cinemas, digital displays, and social media, must be approved by the MCMC before dissemination. Recognized political parties need to submit ad clearance applications three days in advance, while Independent candidates and unaffiliated groups must do so a week before release. However, newspaper ads on regular campaign days are exempt from pre-certification but will be included in the candidate’s election expense register.
During the final campaign phase, stricter regulations will be enforced. Ads scheduled for newspapers within 48 hours of polling must obtain prior MCMC approval, with applications submitted at least 48 hours beforehand. Applicants must visit the MCMC office at the Thoothukudi District Collectorate, providing necessary documents like the ad sample, script, cost estimate, and a declaration of compliance with norms and copyrights.
The Collector has warned against unauthorized ads or defamatory social media content, emphasizing that such actions will be considered violations of election rules. Violators will face legal consequences, with associated costs added to the candidate’s official election expenses. Political parties and candidates are urged to adhere strictly to these guidelines and collaborate with the district administration for a smooth electoral process.
