The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued strict guidelines on the silence period ahead of the Assam Assembly elections, directly impacting campaigning and media activity in Guwahati.
For Assam, where polling is scheduled on April 9, the silence period will begin at 5:00 PM on April 7 and continue until 5:00 PM on April 9.
The Election Commission has imposed a silence period in Guwahati from April 7 (5 PM) to April 9 (5 PM), banning all election-related campaigning and media content that could influence voters ahead of polling day.
What the Silence Period Means for Guwahati
During this 48-hour period, all forms of election campaigning in Guwahati must stop.
This includes:
- Public rallies and political events
- Campaign advertisements
- Social media promotions targeting voters
The aim is to give voters time to make decisions without influence.
Restrictions on Media and Broadcast Content
The ECI has directed media outlets in Guwahati to avoid broadcasting any content that could influence voters.
This includes:
- Political debates and panel discussions
- Candidate promotions
- Opinion polls or analysis favouring any party
Television, radio, and cable networks must strictly comply with these rules.
Exit Polls Completely Banned
Citing Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission has banned the publication or broadcast of exit polls during a specified period.
For the current election cycle:
- Exit polls are prohibited from 7:00 AM on April 1 to 6:30 PM on April 29, 2026
This restriction applies to all media platforms, including digital and social media in Guwahati.
Strict Penalties for Violations
Authorities have warned that violations of silence period rules may lead to:
- Imprisonment of up to two years
- Monetary fines
- Both legal actions
This is to ensure strict enforcement across cities like Guwahati, where media reach is high.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
As a major political and media hub, Guwahati plays a key role in shaping public opinion during elections.
The silence period ensures:
- Fair voting conditions
- Reduced last-minute influence on voters
- Balanced electoral environment
What Happens Next
Campaigning in Guwahati is expected to intensify until April 7 evening, after which all political activity must halt.
Polling will take place on April 9, with voters expected to cast their ballots without external influence during the silence period.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the silence period start in Guwahati?
The silence period begins at 5:00 PM on April 7 and ends at 5:00 PM on April 9.
2. Can media discuss elections during the silence period?
No, media platforms cannot broadcast any content that may influence voters, including debates or opinion polls.