Thiruvananthapuram, 07 April (H.S.):
With the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, authorities have announced a strict 48-hour dry day and campaign silence period across the state to ensure a free and fair polling process. All liquor outlets, including foreign liquor retail shops, bars, and toddy shops, will remain closed from 6 p.m. on April 7 until 6 p.m. on April 9.
The enforcement of the dry day coincides with the mandatory silence period that begins after the conclusion of election campaigning. Campaigning for the polls will officially end at 6 p.m. today, marking the start of a crucial phase during which no political outreach activities are permitted.
Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rathan U. Khelkar stated that all political workers, party functionaries, and supporters who are not registered voters in a constituency must leave the area immediately after the campaign deadline. The directive is aimed at preventing undue influence on voters in the final hours leading up to polling.
As per election regulations, no public meetings or gatherings related to campaigning are allowed within 48 hours prior to the close of polling. Authorities have also imposed a blanket ban on rallies, processions, cultural events, music programmes, theatrical performances, and any other public entertainment that could influence voters.
In addition, strict restrictions have been placed on the dissemination of election-related content through media during the silence period. The display or broadcast of such content via television, cinema, radio, or similar platforms has been prohibited.
Print media is also subject to regulation. Newspapers are barred from publishing political advertisements on the day of polling and the preceding day without prior clearance from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
Officials emphasised that these measures are part of the Election Commission’s broader framework to ensure a level playing field and allow voters to make independent choices without external pressure. Authorities have warned that violations will invite strict legal action, with enforcement teams deployed across the state to monitor compliance.
As Kerala enters the final phase before polling, citizens and political stakeholders have been urged to strictly adhere to the guidelines to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
