Social media makes mockery of Election Commission ban

Kochi: Election Commission will have to think twice when they impose a ban on ‘all campaign activities of candidates a day or 48 hours prior to the election day' as the candidates were seen actively seeking votes on Facebook and WhatsApp even on the poll day. With the advent of new campaign methods and the ever-rising popularity of Facebook and other social media platforms, the ban on campaigning has become virtually impossible.

As per the Election Commission mandate the candidates should not make any promises to influence voters during the 48-hour long silent campaign. Campaigning through audio and visuals is also not permitted during the silent campaign period. Interestingly videos seeking votes and making promises were abundantly shared on Facebook.

CPM leader Pinarayi Vijayan wrote against UDF government's anti-tribal stand. CM Oommen Chandy meanwhile made an array of posts promoting the achievements of UDF Ministry. Most of the posts by the CM were in video format. BJP leaders also were active on Facebook. BJP Kerala, the party's mouthpiece on Facebook also criticised both LDF and UDF.

At present there is no mechanism for the authorities to check the online activity of political parties though it is simple compared to the other campaign methods. The election commission is also not monitoring the 'sponsored posts' updates by the candidates. The commission however had claimed that they are monitoring the activities online.