Election Commission Seeks Ban of All Political Advertising on Social Media 48 Hours Before Polls

India, the world’s largest democracy, is all set to witness the General Elections 2019 this year during the months of April and May. While the votes will be recorded in a digital ballot, a separate war will be fought on social media. Every political outfit is geared up to take the war to their opponents on this turf. This will mean a large chunk of political advertising money will be spent on the platform. In the latest development, a committee formed by the Election Commission (EC) has sought amendments to the law, aimed at preventing social media and other digital platforms from carrying political advertisements 48 hours before the elections. The committee led by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, Umesh Sinha, recently submitted its report to the commission that suggests modifications in the provisions of Section 126 and other sections of the Representation of the People Act 1951, including provisions of Model Code of Conduct.