Assembly Polls 2026: What is the 48-hour “silent period” imposed by the Election Commission?

The Election Commission of India has issued an advisory on the beginning of the 48-hour silent period in view of the upcoming Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

 In the advisory, the ECI has issued strict guidelines for media platforms to ensure a fair voting environment.

Follow | Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE Updates

What is the silent period?

The silent period is the time (usually 48 hours) before the polling day in which the media and other public information platforms are not allowed to disseminate content that may influence the results of the election or favour any one particular political party. 

Under Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, displaying “election matter” via television or similar apparatus is prohibited during the 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the poll.

Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are going to the ballot on April 9, 2026. Tamil Nadu is going on April 23. While West Bengal is holding polls in two phases to be held on April 23 and April 29, 2026.

What if someone violates the silent period?

Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with a fine, or both.

What is allowed and what is not during silent period?

Section 126(1)(b) of the RP Act, 1951 prohibits displaying any election matter, including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey, in any electronic media during these 48 hours in each of the phases of elections. Political advertisements of any kind on election matter in TV, cable networks, radio, cinema halls, use of SMS/voice messages, audio visual displays in any polling area during the 48 hour silent period is prohibited.

During the silent period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters.

There is also a ban on the sale of liquor during this period. No spirituous, fermented or intoxicating liquors or any other such substance shall be sold, given or distributed at any establishment within the polling area during the 48 hour period.

What about exit or opinion polls? 

The ECI has enforced a total ban on the conduct and dissemination of exit or opinion polls to prevent them from influencing voters in multi-phase or multi-state election cycles.

They will be banned from 7.00 a.m. on April 9, 2026, to 6.30 p.m. on April 29, 2026. The ban applies to all states holding elections as well as eight specific bye-elections across Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura. The prohibition applies to print, electronic, and digital media.