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Mar 6, 2022

How can political parties advertise during elections?

 The Karnataka High Court issued an order to the State to remove hoardings and billboards which display the achievements of politicians and/or political parties.

What is political advertisement?

Advertising for political propaganda or to pursue a political agenda is known as political advertising. Political advertising is allowed, but regulated.

How are political advertisements regulated?

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) are rules and regulations which regulate the actions of the political parties, candidates, people supporting them, the civil servants during election time and anybody else who is associated with elections. It also regulates the actions of other individuals and organisations with the aim of making the elections as transparent as possible.

The MCC prohibits candidates and political parties from doing the following:

  • Putting up advertisements that contain any abusive language.
  • Putting up advertisements or political arguments which target the personal lives of politicians. Criticizing political parties of their past work is allowed, but parties have to refrain from criticizing the aspects of a candidate’s personal life which is not connected with their political activities.
  • Using public exchequer to issue advertisements regarding a coverage of their political rally or political achievements.

What are the methods of political advertisements?

The following are the ways by which political parties give out advertisements:

  • Billboards and Hoardings
  • Television and Radio
  • Print Media (Newspapers, Posters, Pamphlets etc.)
  • Social Media Advertisements

What are the regulations placed on advertising through billboards and hoardings?

The content of posters, billboards and hoardings can display general information like family planning, and social welfare schemes but they cannot display the achievements of political parties, photos of politicians and party symbols during campaigning.

To know more, read our explainer on campaigning and elections.

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