This ban extends to all content that could promote or prejudice any party or candidate, including opinions or appeals by panelists or participants, and the publication or display of opinion polls.
File Photo: IANS
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday issued strict guidelines regarding the prohibition of election-related content during the silence period and a ban on exit polls for the upcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections.
As per Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission reiterated that no election matter shall be displayed or broadcast through television, radio, or any similar medium within polling areas during the 48-hour silence period preceding the end of polling.
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This ban extends to all content that could promote or prejudice any party or candidate, including opinions or appeals by panelists or participants, and the publication or display of opinion polls.
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Additionally, under Section 126A of the same Act, the ECI has prohibited the conduct and dissemination of exit polls by print or electronic media from 7:00 am on November 6 to 6:30 pm on November 11, covering the entire voting period.
Violation of these provisions can attract imprisonment for up to two years, fines, or both.
The Commission has urged all media houses to strictly adhere to these instructions, reinforcing its commitment to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. These measures aim to protect voters from undue influence and maintain the integrity of the democratic exercise in Bihar.
The Bihar elections are scheduled to be held in two phases — on November 6 and November 11 – while bye-elections in eight assembly constituencies across seven states will also take place on November 11.
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