Election Commission mulls social media special code

​Hyderabad: The Election Commission is all set to introduce a ‘special code’ shortly to ensure judicious use of social media by political parties during election campaign, which has already taken off in the poll-bound Telangana state. 

Under the new code, the commission will announce ‘Dos and Don’ts on social media platform by parties and individuals as part of their campaign in support of the contestants and while sharing their political agendas and manifestos. 

In the wake of increasing number of complaints being received from parties on the misuse of social media platforms, mainly Facebook and WhatsApp, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat has taken serious note of the issue.  

State election authorities also brought to the notice of the CEC that the use of social media by some of the parties was no longer confined to campaigning in their support.  Social media platforms are being exploited by these parties for hurling abuses and mudslinging on rivals.   

In the recent meeting between the CEC and state election authorities, the officials reviewed such exploitation of social media platforms. The commission then asserted that it would put an end to the growing abuse of social media. 

Officials said that the EC authorities have been holding a series of meetings with the managements of social media organisations to get them to curtail the flow of controversial and objectionable content which could cause unrest and disharmony in the state during the election. Rawat announced that he would hold a meeting with Facebook India heads in New Delhi in a week.     

A strong proposal to completely ban posts against rival parties with derogatory comments, unleashing negative campaign by targeting individuals depicting leaders with objectionable caricatures and text messages, and action against those violating the special code is under active consideration.  The EC officials said that the commission is also examining complaints received from aggrieved persons and might place additional restrictions, if required, to check rampant abuse of social media for election campaign. 

The limitations that could be placed on parties on the use of social media, particularly from the issuance of election notification to the date of election, will also be taken into consideration during finalsiation of the special code.