• ECI sought an amendment to the Representation of People Act 1951 to prevent print media, social media and other digital platforms from carrying political advertisements in the last 48 hours before the polling begins which is also refer as Election silence.
• The Commission has sought inclusion of ‘print media’ and ‘other entities’ within the ambit of Section 126 (1) (b). The other entities would refer to all social media formats.
• Section 126 of the Representation of People Act 1951 prevents electronic media from airing any political advertisements in the silent period (48 hours before polling begins),
• The Election Commission has also made it mandatory to seek pre-certification of the campaign material to be published in newspapers during the 48 hours.
• While Section 126 explicitly bans television channels from broadcasting political matter during the silent period, lack of backing by law has led to Print media carrying political advertisements during the silent period despite the curbs imposed by the EC.

What is election silence?

The day of reflection or the election silence is a ban on political campaigning prior to an election, to give voters a peaceful condition to consider and make a final decision on their vote. During this period, which usually begins just before the voting day and ends after polling ends, no active campaigning by the candidates or political parties is allowed, and television or any digital media cannot carry any election matter.?