Guwahati: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a 48-hour Silent Period for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections, starting 5:00 PM on April 7, ahead of polling on April 9. The period aims to ensure a free and fair voting environment by halting all electioneering.
Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all forms of campaigning are strictly prohibited during this time. This includes rallies, public meetings, processions, and any other voter outreach activities. Political parties and workers brought from outside constituencies are required to leave immediately once the campaign period ends.
The ECI has also banned dissemination of campaign content on social and electronic media, including bulk SMS, phone calls, and online platforms. Opinion polls and survey results are prohibited from being broadcast on television or similar media during the silence period.
Chief Electoral Officer, Assam, Anurag Goel, urged all candidates, parties, and media organisations to strictly comply with the guidelines, warning that violations would invite penal action under the law. District and police authorities have been tasked with ensuring enforcement across constituencies.
The single-phase Assam elections will see voters head to the polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.
