Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: As polling in Odisha approaches, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Friday released a comprehensive advisory detailing strict restrictions to be observed during the 48-hour “silent period” leading up to the close of by-poll for the Nuapada Assembly constituency.
The by-election to the Nuapada seat is scheduled to be held on November 11.
The directive seeks to preserve the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voting takes place in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. The CEO’s office underscored that all forms of campaigning and political activities must come to a halt during this period, allowing voters to make their decisions without external pressure or influence.
According to the advisory, political leaders and party workers from outside the constituency must leave the area immediately after campaigning ends. The District Election Officer and Superintendent of Police of Nuapada have been directed to inspect community halls, lodges, and guest houses for the presence of outsiders, verify guest records, and establish border check posts to monitor vehicle movement. Identity checks will be conducted to ensure that only local voters remain in the area.
Exceptions will be granted solely for medical emergencies, subject to verification by a District Medical Board and approval from the Election Commission of India. Such individuals will remain under video surveillance and will not be permitted to participate in any political activity.
Citing Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the CEO’s office reiterated that public meetings, processions, or cultural programmes intended to influence voters are strictly prohibited during the silent period. Any violation of this provision may result in imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
The guidelines also cover media and digital communication platforms. No election-related content designed to influence voters may be aired on television, radio, or digital channels during the 48-hour restriction. Political advertisements in print media on the polling day and the day before are banned unless they receive prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
Furthermore, sharing or posting political messages, appeals, or campaign materials on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, or YouTube during the silent period will be treated as an election law violation. Even private sharing of such content is discouraged, with citizens being urged to observe “digital silence” during this crucial time.
