The Election Commission (EC) on November 28 has written to Twitter and Facebook to ensure provisions of electoral law, which bars display of campaign material in the ‘silence period’ in the run-up to elections, are followed on their internet platforms.
The EC draws the attention of the social media giants on appeals made by Congress President Rahul Gandhi and the BJP reportedly asking voters of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram on the internet platforms to cast the ballot in their favour.
“The tweets could be taken out by the company,” a senior member reportedly said on the condition of anonymity.
According to reports the EC cited Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, which prohibits the display of any election-related matter by means of the TV or any other similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of elections.
In the consultations with both the social media companies, the EC has been assured by the latter that they would observe the ‘silence period’ mandated under section 126 of R P Act.
