EC mandates mention of printer, publisher on election campaign displays including those on hoardings

In a bid to ensure accountability and transparency in poll campaigning in the outdoor space, including use of hoarding, the Election Commission of India has mandated clear identification of the printer and publisher on printed election-related material that goes up on the streets.

The EC pointed to section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 which prohibits the printing or publishing of election pamphlets, posters, placards, or banners without prominently displaying the name and address of the printer and publisher.

Moneycontrol in its report on this development states that this requirement of disclosing the identity of publishers serves as a cornerstone for regulating campaign financing and fixing of responsibility in case content is found unbecoming of the framework of the Model Code of Conduct or the statutory provisions.