All Campaigning to Cease 48 Hours Before Nuapada Bypoll: Odisha CEO Issues Strict Advisory
Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: With the Nuapada Assembly bypoll approaching, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha has issued a stringent advisory enforcing a 48-hour “silent period” before the close of polling.
This move is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring voters can make independent choices free from last-minute influence.
Under the directive, all forms of political campaigning—including rallies, public meetings, and cultural events—must cease two days before polling ends.
Political workers from outside the constituency are required to vacate the area immediately after campaigning concludes.
District authorities have been instructed to conduct identity checks, inspect lodges and guest houses, and monitor vehicle entry at border checkpoints to enforce compliance.
Only individuals with verified medical emergencies, approved by the District Medical Board and the Election Commission, will be allowed to stay, with strict video surveillance and a ban on political activity.
The advisory draws on Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits any public activity intended to influence voters during the silent period. Violators may face up to two years of imprisonment, fines, or both.
Media and digital platforms are also under scrutiny. Election-related content—including campaign appeals and political advertisements—is banned from television, radio, and digital media during the 48-hour window.
Print ads on poll day and the preceding day require prior certification from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
Social media platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube are included in the restrictions.
Citizens have been urged to exercise digital restraint and avoid sharing political content—even in private groups.
The CEO’s office has appealed to all stakeholders to uphold a “free, fair, and fearless” electoral atmosphere across Odisha.
