Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 28 (UNI) Ahead of the 2025 Local Self-Government Elections, the Kerala State Election Commission has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines for media personnel underscoring the need for fair, transparent and impartial coverage.
The Commission emphasised that responsible reporting is essential to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. According to the notification, no public meetings, rallies or gatherings may be conducted or attended within any constituency during the 48-hour “silence period” before polling concludes. This restriction, stipulated in the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act, applies fully to the local body elections.
The Representation of the People Act also bars all forms of campaign-related content including broadcast, printed or published on digital platforms during this 48-hour period. Any form of messaging that may influence voters is prohibited.
The Commission further stressed that exit polls and their results cannot be conducted, aired or published during the restricted period, in accordance with Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act. Media outlets must ensure that no content favouring or harming any candidate or political party is disseminated in the form of exit poll discussions or predictions.
Television channels are required to follow the guidelines issued by the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), while print media must comply with the Press Council of India’s election reporting norms. All broadcasters are also bound by directives from the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA). Cable networks must adhere to the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act once the election notification comes into force.
On polling day, journalists are not permitted to enter polling stations in a manner that disturbs voters or officials. Photography or videography that compromises the secrecy of the ballot is strictly forbidden. Within a radius of 200 metres from polling stations reduced to 100 metres in municipal areas the media cannot conduct interviews, political discussions, opinion-seeking interactions or exit poll activities.
No event should be organised near polling centres if it leads to crowding or disrupts the polling process. Access to counting centres is restricted, and journalists may not record the vote-counting process or conduct interviews in a way that interferes with counting operations. Only those with valid Authority Letters (media passes) issued by the Commission will be permitted to cover election-related activities.
These passes are non-transferable, and misuse may lead to legal action. Journalists must also carry photo identity cards issued by their respective media organisations to establish authenticity. The Commission requested full cooperation from media houses, noting that strict adherence to these guidelines is vital for ensuring a smooth, orderly and unbiased election.
