EC pulls media on opinion polls and exaggeration

NewDelhi: Two days after the announcement of the Assembly polls in five states--Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Election Commission today directed the media to strictly follow the guidelines against indulging in unhealthy election campaigns, exaggerated reports about any candidate/party or incident or any write-up inciting hatred or violence during the elections. Issuing guidelines for both print and electronic media, the poll panel said it will be the duty of the Press to give objective reports about elections and the candidates.

Cautioning against the publication of paid news, the Commission said the Press should not accept any kind of inducement, financial or otherwise, to project a candidate/party. News broadcasters must not broadcast any form of ‘hate speech’ or other obnoxious content that may lead to incitement of violence or promote public unrest or disorder as election campaigning based on communal or caste factors is prohibited under Election laws. Pointing out that the Election campaign along communal or caste lines is banned under the election rules, the poll panel asked the Press to avoid reports, which tend to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people on the ground of religion, race, caste, community or language.

The Press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or his candidature, to prejudice the prospects of that candidate in the elections. Any candidate/political party, which has been defamed or is a victim of misrepresentation, misinformation or other similar injury by broadcast of information should be afforded prompt correction, and where appropriate granted an opportunity of reply. (UNI)