Thiruvananthapuram

The Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, Rathan U Kelkar, on Monday announced that campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections will conclude at 6 pm on April 7, followed by a mandatory 48-hour “silence period” before polling.

Elections for all 140 constituencies in the state are scheduled to take place on April 9.

According to the CEO, the restrictions—enforced under Representation of the People Act, 1951—are aimed at ensuring a free and fair electoral process by allowing voters to make decisions without external influence.

During the silence period, all forms of public campaigning will be strictly prohibited. This includes political rallies, public meetings, processions, and any cultural or entertainment events intended to sway voters.

The guidelines also bar the display or broadcast of election-related content through television, cinema, radio, or similar platforms. Additionally, political advertisements in newspapers during the silence period and on polling day will require prior clearance from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).

Authorities have also directed that political leaders, party workers, and campaigners who are not registered voters in a constituency must leave the area once campaigning ends.

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Kelkar urged political parties, candidates, and citizens to comply fully with these regulations to uphold the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.