Strict restrictions on political activity, liquor sales, and media outreach ahead of April 9 polling
Thiruvananthapuram, April 7:
Campaigning for the Kerala Assembly elections will officially conclude at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a mandatory 48-hour silence period ahead of polling on April 9. Authorities have also imposed a statewide dry day during this period to maintain order and ensure a fair electoral process.
Key Restrictions Ahead of Polling
From 6 p.m. on April 7 until 6 p.m. on April 9, all liquor outlets across Kerala — including bars, foreign liquor retail shops, and toddy outlets — will remain closed. The move is aimed at preventing any inducement or disturbance during the crucial pre-poll phase.
Simultaneously, the silence period will prohibit all forms of election campaigning. Political parties, candidates, and supporters are barred from holding rallies, public meetings, processions, or any form of outreach intended to influence voters.
Authorities have extended the ban to cultural and entertainment activities such as music shows, theatre performances, and public gatherings that could indirectly impact voter sentiment.
Strict Monitoring of Political Activity
Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rathan U. Khelkar has directed that individuals involved in campaign activities, but not registered voters in a constituency, must leave the area immediately after the campaign deadline. The directive is intended to curb last-minute influence and ensure that only local voters remain in constituencies during the silence period.
Officials have deployed monitoring teams across the state to enforce compliance. Violations of the Model Code of Conduct or silence period norms will attract legal action.
Media and Advertisement Guidelines
The Election Commission has also imposed restrictions on the dissemination of election-related content during the silence period. Broadcast and electronic media platforms — including television, radio, and cinema — are prohibited from airing campaign material.
Print media outlets must obtain prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) before publishing any political advertisements on the day before polling and on polling day.
These measures are designed to prevent indirect campaigning and ensure voters are not influenced in the final hours before casting their ballots.
Why These Measures Matter
The 48-hour silence period is a standard electoral practice in India, aimed at giving voters time to reflect and make informed decisions without pressure from political campaigns. The accompanying dry day is intended to reduce the risk of inducements and maintain public order.
Together, these steps form part of the Election Commission’s framework to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
What Happens Next
Polling for the Kerala Assembly elections will take place on April 9 under heightened security and regulatory oversight. Authorities have urged citizens, political parties, and media organisations to strictly adhere to the guidelines to ensure a peaceful and transparent voting process.
As the state moves into this final phase, the focus shifts from campaigning to voter participation, with officials emphasising the importance of free and fair elections.
inputs and images : Hindustan samachar
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Edited By D.Rishidhar Reddy
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