New Delhi: The Election Commission on Saturday cautioned political parties against hate speeches and said it was keeping a close watch on social media posts to ensure transparent and fair assembly elections in five states. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra, during a press conference to announce the election schedule for Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur, said political parties and their candidates should ensure that their supporters use hate speeches and fake Do not indulge in the news.
“Social media posts are being closely monitored to ensure that the election environment is not spoiled,” he said. His remarks come in the backdrop of a raging controversy over hate speeches at a religious convention in Haridwar. Chandra said that all major national and regional news channels during the elections would be closely monitored for all the news related to election management.
“If any untoward incident or violation of any law/rule is found, action will be taken immediately. The monitoring report will also be sent to the concerned CEOs (Chief Electoral Officers).”
In a press release, the Commission said that keeping in view the increasing incidents of misuse of social media and menace of paid news, the major social media platforms have agreed to follow the Voluntary Code of Conduct formulated by them in March 2019. “These will be applicable in these elections as well as other elections,” the Election Commission said.
