New Delhi, Oct 26, (UNI) The Election Commission of India today issued stringent guidelines prohibiting any election-related content during the silence period and enacting a complete ban on exit polls for the forthcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections.
In accordance with Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission reiterated that no election material shall be displayed or broadcast through television, radio, or similar mediums within polling areas during the 48-hour silence period leading up to the close of voting. This prohibition covers all content that could promote or prejudice any political party or candidate, including views or appeals from panelists and participants, as well as the publication or display of opinion polls.
Furthermore, under Section 126A of the Act, the ECI has banned 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, encompassing the entire voting period.
Violators of these directives face penalties including imprisonment for up to two years, fines, or both.
The Commission has called on all media organizations to rigorously comply with these regulations, reinforcing its commitment to uphold free, fair, and transparent elections. These measures are designed to shield voters from undue influence and safeguard the democratic process in Bihar.
The Bihar Legislative Assembly elections are slated for two phases on November 6 and November 11, 2025. Concurrently, bye-elections will be held on November 11 across eight Assembly Constituencies in seven states.
