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Bhubaneswar, Nov 7 (IANS) Amid the ongoing campaign for the crucial Nuapada by-election, Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) RS Gopalan on Friday urged all stakeholders to maintain complete restraint both offline as well as online, and to avoid indulging in any active election campaigning during the 48 hours before the close of polls starting from the evening of November 9 to ensure a calm and contemplative environment for voters. Did what is known as the ‘silent period’.
Sharing details of the guidelines implemented for the 48-hour silence period, Gopalan said political parties, candidates and their supporters have been strictly advised not to post or share campaign-related political content on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube during this period.
Citizens are also urged to act responsibly and avoid forwarding or promoting any posts in private groups that may influence voters and prevent the conduct of free and fair elections.
The CEO has requested everyone to maintain digital restraint and contribute to a calm and contemplative environment for voters before voting, in the true spirit of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
No political advertisement shall be published in newspapers on or the day before the polling day, unless pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) at the district or state level.
The CEO also banned the publication of political advertisements in print media on or before polling day unless pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
Additionally, all printed pamphlets or posters must clearly bear the name and address of the printer and publisher, and the required copies under Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 must be presented to the election authorities.
Similarly, all political officials and party workers brought from outside the constituency have been directed to leave the constituency immediately after the end of the campaign period.
The CEO directed the District Election Officer and Superintendent of Police, Nuapada to inspect community halls and temporary residences to ensure that no outsider is staying there, set up border check posts to monitor vehicles entering from outside the constituency and verify the identity of individuals or groups to confirm whether they are local voters or not.
As per the provisions of the RP Act, political parties cannot organize public meetings, processions or road shows, display election-related material on TV, cinema etc. or organize cultural and entertainment programs to influence voters during the silence period.
As per the guidelines, any election-related material that could influence voters cannot be broadcast on television, digital media or even radio.
–IANS
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