Daily Current Affairs : 12-April-2024

The Election Commission (EC) has currently introduced a vital directive aimed at growing transparency in political advertising. This initiative makes a specialty of cracking down on nameless political hoardings that often flood our streets in the course of election seasons. By requiring the names of publishers and printers to be displayed, the EC seeks to promote responsibility and ensure that political campaigns adhere to regulations.

The Importance of Transparency

One of the key objectives of this directive is to regulate marketing campaign financing. Political hoardings can have an impact on citizens appreciably, and understanding who’s in the back of these classified ads is critical. Here are a few reasons why transparency is crucial:

  • Accountability: If a political commercial incorporates deceptive or dangerous statistics, it is crucial to recognize who is accountable for it.
  • Integrity: Transparent practices help hold the integrity of the electoral manner, permitting voters to make informed selections.
  • Compliance with Laws: The directive ensures that all political materials follow current legal guidelines and rules.

Background of the Directive

This selection comes after the EC received multiple court cases about hoardings that did now not show the vital identity of their publishers or printers. According to Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, it is obligatory for all election-associated materials to prominently display the name and address of both the printer and writer. This regulation is in location to shield the electoral process and ensure fair practices.

Accountability Measures

The new directive locations the obligation no longer just on political parties, however also on printers, publishers, and contractors of urban neighborhood bodies. They are actually accountable for any political advertisements displayed in outside media. This shift is crucial for fostering accountable behavior among all parties worried in political campaigning.

Important Points:

New Directive by the EC: The Election Commission has introduced a directive to increase transparency in political advertising.

Focus on Anonymous Hoardings: The initiative targets anonymous political hoardings prevalent during elections.

Disclosure Requirement: Publishers and printers must display their names and addresses on political advertisements.

Objectives of Transparency:

  • Accountability: Identifying responsible parties for misleading information.
  • Integrity: Maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
  • Compliance: Ensuring adherence to legal guidelines and regulations.

Legal Background: Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandates identification on election-related materials.

Broad Accountability: The directive holds political parties, printers, publishers, and urban local body contractors accountable for outdoor political ads.

Importance of Responsible Practices: Fostering accountability among all involved in political campaigning is crucial.

Why In News

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a directive to crack down on anonymous political hoardings, requiring the disclosure of the names of their publishers and printers for traceability and accountability. This measure aims to ensure that voters can identify the sources of political messages and hold them responsible for any misleading content.

MCQs about Enhancing Transparency in Political Advertising

  1. What is the main purpose of the Election Commission’s new directive regarding political hoardings?
    A. To increase campaign financing
    B. To promote transparency and accountability
    C. To reduce the number of political advertisements
    D. To ban all outdoor media advertising
    Correct Answer: B. To promote transparency and accountability
    Explanation: The directive is aimed at increasing transparency in political advertising by requiring the disclosure of publishers and printers.
  2. According to the directive, what must be displayed prominently on election-related materials?
    A. The political party’s logo
    B. The name and address of the printer and publisher
    C. The names of all candidates
    D. A disclaimer about political funding
    Correct Answer: B. The name and address of the printer and publisher
    Explanation: The directive mandates that all election-related materials must display the names and addresses of both the printer and publisher, as stated in Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  3. Who is held accountable under the new directive from the Election Commission?
    A. Only political parties
    B. Only the voters
    C. Printers, publishers, and urban local body contractors
    D. Only the Election Commission
    Correct Answer: C. Printers, publishers, and urban local body contractors
    Explanation: The directive places accountability on printers, publishers, and contractors of urban local bodies for the political advertisements they display in outdoor media.
  4. What are the potential benefits of the Election Commission’s directive regarding political hoardings?
    A. Decreased voter turnout
    B. Increased trust in political messages
    C. More advertisements in outdoor media
    D. Elimination of campaign financing
    Correct Answer: B. Increased trust in political messages
    Explanation: By ensuring transparency and accountability, the directive can help voters identify the sources of political messages, potentially increasing their trust in the information presented.

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