ECI Makes Social Media Disclosure Mandatory for Candidates Filing Nominations

New Delhi, October 14, 2025:
In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability during elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued new directives requiring all candidates to declare details of their official social media accounts at the time of filing their nomination papers.

According to the latest guideline, candidates contesting in any election — whether Parliamentary, Assembly, or local body polls — must now submit information about their verified handles on major platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and others. The initiative is designed to ensure that campaign communications are traceable, authentic, and free from misinformation or impersonation.

Ensuring Transparency in Digital Campaigning

The Election Commission stated that the growing influence of social media on voter perception and political outreach necessitated a formal mechanism to monitor online activities of candidates. By linking verified profiles with nomination documents, the poll body aims to differentiate between official campaign accounts and fake or fan-made pages that often spread unverified content.

An ECI official noted, “This step is part of our broader effort to bring accountability to digital campaigning. Candidates must take responsibility for the content shared from their official platforms.”

Approval for Online Ads Also Made Mandatory

In addition to the social media disclosure requirement, the ECI reiterated that any political advertisement on digital or electronic media must receive prior approval from the designated Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC). This ensures that no paid political content violates the Model Code of Conduct or spreads misleading claims during the campaign period.

Platforms and digital agencies involved in election promotions will also be required to retain records of ad spending and submit them for audit if requested by the commission.

Impact on Candidates and Political Parties

The directive means candidates will now have to maintain clear documentation of their online presence right from the start of their campaign. Political observers believe this move could curb the use of unverified handles for spreading propaganda or hate speech during elections.

Digital experts also see the rule as a positive step. “Social media has become a powerful campaign tool. This policy encourages candidates to campaign responsibly and gives voters clarity about who is communicating with them,” said Rachit Mehta, a digital policy analyst.

A Step Towards Cleaner Digital Politics

The Election Commission has been tightening its digital oversight mechanisms in recent years, especially with the rising use of paid influencers, targeted online ads, and misinformation campaigns. The new guideline marks a major advancement in bringing digital transparency to India’s electoral process.

Candidates are advised to comply fully with the directive to avoid disqualification or scrutiny during the campaign.