NewKerala.com

ECI Enforces 48-Hour Silence Period, Bans Opinion Polls Before Voting

The Election Commission of India has reminded candidates and parties of the mandatory 48-hour silence period before the April 9 Assembly elections and bypolls, prohibiting the broadcast of opinion polls and display of any election matter. The period begins on April 7 evening, with Assam starting at 5 PM and other states at 6 PM. The ECI warned TV channels and cable networks that violations of the Representation of the People Act are punishable with imprisonment or fine. The silence period schedule was also outlined for subsequent phases of elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with all results set to be declared on May 4.

Key Points: ECI Bans Opinion Polls in 48-Hour Silence Period Before Polls

  • 48-hour silence period before voting
  • Opinion poll & election matter display prohibited
  • Different start times for Assam
  • Exit polls barred until voting ends
  • Penalty includes imprisonment or fine
3 min read

ECI bars opinion polls during 48-hour silence period before Assembly poll voting

Election Commission bars opinion polls & election matter display during 48-hour silence period before Assembly elections, with strict penalties for violations.

"Violation of Section 126A... is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both. - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, April 2

The Election Commission of India, on Thursday, reminded candidates and political parties contesting the April 9 Assembly elections and bypolls that a 48-hour silence period -- which prohibits broadcast of opinion polls and display of election matter -- will be enforced on April 7 from 6 p.m., an official said.

In Assam, however, the 48-hour silence period will begin at 5 p.m. on April 7 and end with the culmination of voting on April 9 at 5 p.m., an official statement said, adding that Exit Poll results are barred from release before the end of voting on April 9 and April 29.

The poll panel cautioned TV/radio channels and cable networks not to display opinion polls during the silence period.

The ECI said that Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, in any polling area during the period of 48 hours (silence period) ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of the poll for any election in that polling area.

"Violation of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both," the statement said.

"The TV channels and cable networks must ensure that the content of the programme telecast/broadcast/displayed by them during the silence period should not contain any material, including views/appeals by panellists/participants that may be construed as promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate or influencing/affecting the result of the election," the ECI said.

In Kerala and Puducherry, the silence period will begin at 6 p.m. on April 7 and end at 6 p.m. on voting day on April 9, the statement added.

Since the bypolls in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura are scheduled for April 9, the silence period of 48 hours in these states will also begin on April 7 evening, the statement said.

"On April 21 evening, the silence period will be enforced for Tamil Nadu Assembly election, the first phase of West Bengal Assembly election and Gujarat and Maharashtra bypolls," the ECI said.

"For the second phase of West Bengal Assembly election, the silence period will start at 6 p.m. on April 27 and end with voting on April 29 at 6 p.m.," the ECI added.

On March 15, the ECI announced the schedule for the election to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bypolls to eight Assembly constituencies of Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura.

While reiterating the poll panel's resolve to conduct "violence and inducement-free" elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that the results for the Assembly elections and bypolls will be declared on May 4.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some peace from the constant noise of pollsters and pundits on TV! Those opinion polls are often so biased anyway. Let people vote based on actual work, not last-minute hype.
A
Arjun K
The different timings for different states are confusing. Why 5 pm for Assam and 6 pm for others? ECI should standardize this to avoid any accidental violations by media.
S
Sarah B
As someone observing Indian elections, the silence period is a fascinating concept. It creates a necessary cooling-off period and seems more strictly enforced than in many other democracies. The penalty of imprisonment shows how serious it is.
V
Vikram M
The rule is good, but implementation is key. With social media, how do you stop 'influencers' or party workers from posting? The law needs to catch up with digital campaigning. #Election2024
M
Meera T
Acha hai. Ghar pe shaant rehne ko milta hai do din. TV pe bas serials aur movies dekhi ja sakti hain, politics nahi! 😄 Hope everyone votes wisely.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50