New Delhi, March 20 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday directed all political parties and candidates to get pre-certification for political advertisements from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before release on electronic or social media platforms for the upcoming elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and bye-elections in six states.

According to an ECI press release, under the new directive, no political advertisement shall be released on electronic media -- including television, radio, AV displays at public places, e-papers, bulk SMS/voice messages or on internet-based media and social media platforms without prior clearance from the relevant MCMC.

Registered politi...