New Delhi: The Election Commission will ask parties if political advertisements in print media should be banned 48 hours before the day of polling on the lines of the restrictions on electronic media.

The opinion will be sought at an all-party meeting to be held on Monday in connection with the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

"Inclusion of print media within the ambit of Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and issue of online canvassing to promote or prejudice the electoral prospects of a party/candidate on social media during the last 48 hours before conclusion of polling will... be discussed," an EC statement on the meeting agenda said.

In 2016, the EC had urged the government to amend the electoral law to bar political advertisements in newspapers 48 hours before the day of polling.

The election panel had to use its constitutional powers to ban such newspaper advertisements on a case-by-case basis during the Bihar Assembly elections in October-November, 2015.

On gender representation in political parties and comparative international experience, the EC will invite views on measures political parties can take to encourage enhanced representation of women within the organisational structure of the political party, as well as in candidate selection for elections to legislative bodies.

All seven registered national parties and 51 state parties have been invited to Monday's meeting.

The agenda also includes a discussion on the fidelity of electoral rolls. PTI