Shillong, April 17: The election campaign for the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in both Shillong and Tura parliamentary seats ends today at 4:00 PM, 48 hours before the polling begins.
Voting for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, encompassing 21 states and Union Territories, is slated to commence on April 19.
The period 48 hours before elections, known as the ‘silence period’ or ‘pre-election silence’, is when all campaign-related or election-related activities are supposed to cease. No one, including citizens, journalists, politicians, etc., is allowed to engage in such activities during this time.
This is done to provide voters with a peaceful break from campaign influences, enabling them to make considered decisions while voting.
The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 will be conducted across seven phases, starting on April 19, followed by subsequent phases on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4.
Under Sections 126, 126A, and 135C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act), all election-related activities intended or likely to influence or affect the election results, such as holding public meetings or giving speeches, are prohibited during the silence period.
