The Election Commission has directed all States and Union Territories mandating the clear identification of printers and publishers on printed election-related material to ensure accountability and transparency in poll campaigning. The Commission decided after representations were received stating that in hoarding spaces controlled by Municipal authorities, hoardings without the identity of the printer or publisher have been noticed. It said, the Representation of the People Act, prohibits the printing or publishing of election pamphlets, posters, placards, or banners without prominently displaying the name and address of the printer and publisher. The Commission said, this requirement of disclosing the identity of publishers serves as a cornerstone for regulating campaign financing and fixing responsibility in case content is found unbecoming of the framework of the Model Code of Conduct. All political advertisements will be displayed only after certification and approval of the designated authority responsible for approving advertisements.