Bhubaneswar, Nov 7 – The Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha is urging every voter and party member to keep the next 48 hours before polling in Nuapada entirely quiet. R.S. Gopalan called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to stay calm both online and offline during the “silence period” that starts on the evening of November 9.
Gopalan explained that during the silence period, parties must not post any campaign material on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram or YouTube. Sides use these platforms to weigh on voters in the last moment, and the CEO wants the stage empty so voters can think freely.
Citizens also should not forward or share election‑related posts in private groups or any new accounts. By staying silent on social media, voters can read and decide without outside pressure.
The state’s election rules keep a precedent set by Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act: no political advertisements appear in print or on TV on the day of voting or the day before. The Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) only approves a handful of advertisements, and those that mention a party’s name must also list the printer’s contact details under Section 127A.
The CEO asked the district election officer and the police in Nuapada to lock down community halls and temporary hostels. They will check that no party workers from outside the constituency remain after the campaigning ends, and they will set up checkpoints to prevent vehicles carrying outsiders from entering.
During the 48‑hour pause, parties cannot hold rallies, processions, meetings, or cultural shows that might sway voters. Televised or radio broadcasts with political content are equally banned. The rules form part of the Electoral Code that aims to keep the vote free, fair, and calm.
By staying digital‑quiet and following the rules, voters can head to the polls in Nuapada with a clear mind, ready to choose their next representative.
Source: ianslive
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