Campaign Silence Begins for Maharashtra Elections as Polling Nears on 20th November

Mumbai, 18th November 2024: The campaign silence period for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Elections, scheduled for 20th November 2024, commenced today at 6 PM. During the 48 hours leading up to the close of polling, any form of campaigning intended to influence voters, as well as organizing, attending, or participating in public meetings or processions, is strictly prohibited under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act of 1951. Violations of these provisions may result in imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both, according to information provided by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued additional instructions under the Representation of the People Act of 1951. It has mandated that political advertisements intended for print media during the silence period cannot be published in newspapers without prior approval from the Ad Pre-Certification Committee of ECI. Furthermore, political advertisements on audiovisual media, including television, cable networks, radio, and social media, are strictly prohibited during this period.