ECI media communication conference stresses authentic election information
Hyderabad: The ECI media communication conference stressed timely, factual and transparent election communication during a one-day meeting in New Delhi. The ECI media communication conference brought together around 240 District Public Relations Officers, Media Nodal Officers and Social Media Nodal Officers from 15 States and Union Territories, including Telangana. The conference focused on strengthening election communication and tackling misinformation.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar said District Public Relations Officers play a vital role in strengthening electoral democracy. He urged them to share authentic information promptly and counter misinformation effectively. Further, he said transparent communication strengthens public confidence in the electoral process.
He also referred to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He said authorities were conducting the exercise under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Accordingly, the revision aims to ensure that only eligible Indian citizens remain on the electoral rolls.
Participants discussed election communication, media management, election laws, digital technologies, Artificial Intelligence, social media challenges and strategies to combat misinformation. Meanwhile, they also exchanged views on improving public outreach during elections.
ECI media communication conference highlights ECINet and election transparency
Senior Election Commission officials presented sessions on election transparency, Form 17C and constitutional provisions under Article 324. In addition, they discussed media regulation, paid news monitoring and election communication strategies. They also examined challenges arising from social media, AI-generated content and deepfakes.
The conference showcased ECINet, the Election Commission’s integrated digital platform. It offers voter registration, correction of electoral details, polling station information, candidate affidavits, election results and several other citizen services through a single interface. Moreover, officials encouraged participants to create greater public awareness about ECINet. They said citizens could directly access authentic election information and services through the platform.
Representing Telangana, Chief Electoral Office Additional Secretary N. Shankar, Special Deputy Collector Prasanna Raj and Telangana Media Academy Joint Director U. Venkateswara Rao attended the conference. Public Relations Officers M. Kiranmayee and A. Vanaja also participated. Meenakshi, Indira, Anil, Vishwesh and other District Public Relations Officers from the State joined the ECI media communication conference.