New Delhi: Reversing its earlier decision, the Election Commission (EC) today (Nov 22) lifted the ban on campaign advertisement in electronic media by political parties and candidates.

"The Commission hereby withdraws its instructions banning of advertisement on electronic media issued (on August 20, 1999 and November 19, 2003) with immediate effect," it said in a letter to the Chief Secretaries, Chief Electoral Officers of all States and Union Territories.

The Commission, during the general elections in 1998, had issued instructions against campaign advertisements in the electronic media and followed it strictly.

While imposing the ban in 1998, the Commission had taken into consideration the view expressed by party representatives that not all parties could afford to advertise in the electronic media and that would create "serious distortions" in the poll arena.

However, the Commission has continued with its 1998 policy of allowing political parties to take time on Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR).

The Commission had reiterated its decision during the 1999 elections and issued a fresh instruction on November 19 this year.

It said that the instructions banning advertisements on electronic media were being withdrawn after reconsidering all aspects of the case and in light of Andhra Pradesh High Court verdict in this regard.

PTI