New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has prohibited the conduct and publication of exit polls from 7 am on April 9 to 6:30 pm on April 29, covering the entire polling period for Assembly elections in five regions this month.
The poll body warned that any violation of the restriction would attract strict action under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prescribes punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Polling is scheduled to take place in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. Elections in West Bengal will be held in phases on April 23 and April 29.
The Commission also reiterated rules regarding the mandatory 48-hour “silence period,” during which all forms of campaigning must cease ahead of polling. For Kerala and Puducherry, the silence period began at 6 pm on Tuesday, while in Assam it commenced at 5 pm.
During this period, public campaigning, rallies, and media outreach are banned, although limited door-to-door canvassing by candidates and party workers is permitted. Officials acknowledged that enforcing these restrictions has become increasingly challenging in the digital era.
Voting across most constituencies is typically held between 7 am and 6 pm, though timings may vary depending on terrain and security considerations.
