Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Open campaigning to end at 6 p.m. today

The open campaigning for the April 9 Assembly elections will come to an end at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala) Rathan U. Kelkar has said.

Mr. Kelkar said his office has initiated measures to ensure that the 48-hour silence period is strictly enforced in the State. Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, deals with ‘Prohibition of public meetings during period of forty-eight hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll.’

During this period, convening or holding public meetings or processions in connection with the election; displays of election matter by means of cinema, television or other similar means, or propagation of election matter by holding musical concerts, theatrical performances or other entertainment are prohibited.

Publication of political advertisements in newspapers on the election day and the day before it require the clearance of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).