ECI prohibits usage of loudspeakers ahead of 48 hours elections in Manipur

IMPHAL: The Election Commission of India has restricted usage of loudspeaker (s) 48 hours before the elections to the 18th Manipur Parliamentary constituency slated on April 19 and April 26.

A total of ten candidates including 5 independents are in the electoral fray in the two parliamentary constituencies in Manipur.

An official notification states that the use of loudspeakers during the period of last 48 hours i.e. from 4 PM of 17 April 2024 till the conclusion of the poll is strictly prohibited for the free and fair conduct of elections to the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat slated on April 19.

It also warns that any order violation will be liable for penal action as per the relevant rules.

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48 hours before elections, known as the silence period or pre-election silence, is when all campaign-related or election-related activity is supposed to be halted, and no one, including citizens, journalists, politicians, etc., is allowed to partake in any such activity.

This is done to give the voters a peaceful break from being influenced by campaigns so that they may make a considered decision while voting.

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Under Sections 126, 126A, and 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act), all election-related activities, which are activities intended or likely to influence or affect the results of an election like holding public meetings, giving speeches, etc. are prohibited during the silence period.

Most of this is enforced through notifications by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

No road show and election campaigns with loudspeaker(s) fitted on the vehicles have been seen so far in the valley district of Manipur.