How does the use of technology in election campaigns impact the law and regulations?
- Hanshika Pareek
- Feb 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 2
Legislations, Rules and Handbooks:
Voluntary Code of Ethics for 2019 General Election:
The social media platform and Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), has presented a voluntary code of ethics to be followed by all the participating members such as Facebook, Twitter, Google etc. during upcoming general election. The code has been presented to chief election commissioner Mr. Sunil Arora and is drafted in consonance with recommendations of Sinha Committee. Through this code all participants (mostly large social media, and online service providers) accept that access to free, fair and reliable information through internet is essence of democracy. The code acknowledges their roles and model conduct in this regard.
Election Commission Guideline on Social Media Account:
The election commission has issued its model code of conduct and guidelines for election campaigning with special attention on increasing trend of using social media and other related platforms for election campaigning. The commission has recognized impact of the social media in influencing voters and therefore by virtue of new guidelines the commission has asked all participants to disclose their social media accounts to the commission for upcoming elections. Further, as per the guidelines the behavior code of conduct for a candidate need to be followed on social media platforms. The guidelines also mandate to stop all campaigning activities on social media before 48 hours of actual voting.
Understanding Importance of Section 126 (1) (b) of Representation of People Act, 1951: While talking about laws applicable on electronic media during election campaigning, section 126 of RP Act, 1951 becomes most common and most discussed provision. The section prohibits display of ‘any election matter’ by means of television or any inter alia apparatus before 48 hours fixed for conclusion of election in that constituency. Election matter for this section refers to anything which can affect results of an election. The provision prohibits conduct of exit poll and dissemination of their results during the period mentioned there in. This section has come again in lime light because of Sinha committee recommendations and its incorporation in model code of conduct by the Election Commission.
Compendium on Instruction on Media Related Matters:
The Election Commission of India has issued its compendium on laws pertaining to use of media in upcoming election. The present issue is second edition of election commission’s initiative to provide consolidated account of all of its guidelines, rules and recommendation pertaining to use of media in state and general election. The compendium consists original copies of all important rules and orders made by election commission from 1996 to till this date. Some of the important highlights of the compendium are: · Guidelines for Political Advertisement and Paid News · Guidelines For allocation of broadcast time over Akashwani, All India Radio and Doordarshan. Guidelines for broadcasting films of actors participating in election. · General Media Guidelines for 2019 Election.
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