With the Kerala state elections approaching, a 48-hour “silence period” will commence on Tuesday evening, ensuring a fair voting process. The state is set to elect 140 new legislators on Thursday, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar has declared a halt to all public campaign activities starting at 6 p.m. on April 7, as mandated by election laws. During this period, candidates, political parties, and supporters are prohibited from organizing public events like meetings, rallies, or processions.
Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, cultural events and entertainment activities aimed at influencing voters are strictly forbidden. Additionally, the display of election-related content on television, cinema, and other electronic media is banned.
To maintain impartiality, political workers and campaigners who are not registered voters in a constituency must leave the area after the campaign period ends. This measure aims to prevent external interference and ensure a fair electoral process for all candidates.
Emphasizing the need for voter confidence, the Chief Electoral Officer has urged political parties, candidates, and the public to adhere strictly to these regulations. The primary goal is to create an environment where voters can freely exercise their right to vote without any external pressures.
