New Delhi: With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) now in effect following the announcement of the Bihar assembly elections and bye-elections to eight constituencies across six states and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped up its enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure free, fair, and transparent polls.
In a series of directives issued on Thursday, the Commission underscored the importance of responsible conduct by political parties and candidates, particularly in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven campaigning. The ECI warned against the misuse of AI tools for creating deepfakes, synthetic media, or manipulated content targeting rival parties and candidates.
As per the provisions of the MCC, political criticism must be confined to policies, programmes, and past records of performance. The Commission reiterated that personal attacks on aspects of private life unrelated to public activities, as well as unverified allegations and distortions, are strictly prohibited.
“The Commission advises all parties to refrain from misuse of AI-based tools to create deepfakes that distort information or propagate misinformation over social media platforms,” the ECI stated, emphasizing the need to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
To promote transparency in digital campaigning, the ECI has made it mandatory for political entities to clearly label any AI-generated or digitally altered content used in their campaigns. Such material must carry clear notations such as ‘AI-Generated’, ‘Digitally Enhanced’, or ‘Synthetic Content’. This labelling requirement applies to content shared across social media platforms as well as advertisements.
The Commission has put in place an extensive surveillance mechanism to monitor online and social media activities of candidates and parties. Any violation of the MCC or AI-content guidelines will invite stringent action, it said.
Largest deployment
In parallel with its digital oversight, the ECI has also undertaken one of the largest election deployments in recent years to ensure smooth conduct of the Bihar Assembly polls. Around 8.5 lakh election officials have been mobilized across the state for the multi-phase electoral exercise.
According to the Commission, the deployment includes nearly 4.53 lakh polling personnel, 2.5 lakh police officials, 28,370 counting staff, 17,875 micro observers, and 9,625 sector officers. Additionally, up to 90,712 Anganwadi Sevikas and 90,712 booth level officers (BLOs) will play a crucial role in assisting voters.
Voters can reach their local officials through the Book-a-Call to BLO facility on the ECINet App or via the helpline 1950, available at the district and constituency levels for queries and complaints.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the ECI has appointed one general observer for each of Bihar’s 243 assembly constituencies to act as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” on the ground. Alongside, 38 police observers and 67 expenditure observers will oversee law and order and monitor poll spending respectively.
All officials deployed for election duties are deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process, combining traditional vigilance with modern digital safeguards to ensure that the 2025 Bihar assembly elections set new benchmarks for transparency and integrity in India’s democratic exercise.