The Election Commission (EC) has issued fresh directives as four states and one Union Territory gear up for Assembly polls in 2026. The orders tighten control over political advertising on electronic media and mandate transparency of candidates’ social‑media presence. Key Developments All political parties and individual candidates must obtain pre‑certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before publishing any advertisement on TV, radio, public audio‑video displays, e‑papers, bulk SMS/voice messages or social media platforms. No political advertisement may be posted on any internet‑based medium without prior MCMC approval. Candidates are required to disclose the URLs of their authentic social‑media accounts in the nomination affidavit. The EC will monitor and act against suspected paid news on all media. Within 75 days of the conclusion of the Assembly elections, parties must submit a detailed statement of online campaign expenditure as per Representation of the People Act, 1951 , specifically Section 77(1) . Important Facts The Assembly polls for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal , along with bye‑elections in six states, are scheduled between 9 April and 29 April 2026 . Applications for ad certification can be filed with the District MCMC for individuals and with the State‑level MCMC for parties headquartered in the respective state or UT. Timelines for submission have been communicated separately by the EC. Online expenditure to be reported includes payments to internet service providers, social‑media platforms for ad placement, costs of content creation, and operational expenses for maintaining official accounts. UPSC Relevance Understanding the EC’s regulatory framework is essential for GS 2 (Polity) as it reflects the evolving mechanisms to safeguard electoral integrity in the digital age. The move underscores the importance of media regulation, campaign finance transparency, and the fight against misinformation —topics frequently asked in essay and answer‑type questions. Key constitutional provisions (Article 324) empower the EC, while the Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides the legislative backbone for these directives. Aspirants should link these developments to broader themes such as democratic accountability, the role of institutions, and the impact of technology on governance. Way Forward Political parties must set up compliance cells to secure MCMC pre‑certification well before the campaign period. Candidates should verify and publicise their official social‑media handles to avoid disqualification. State election officers and police nodal officers need to coordinate with platform CEOs to swiftly curb misinformation. For UPSC preparation, track subsequent EC notifications and judicial pronouncements on digital campaigning, as they will shape future policy debates.