ECI Implements Silence Period, Restricts Exit Polls Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections

New Delhi | October 27, 2025 The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday issued a stern reminder to all media platforms, broadcasters, and digital outlets to comply with the legal provisions governing the mandatory silence period before polling for the Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections. Polling in Bihar is scheduled to take place in two phases — November 6 and November 11. As per Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the display or broadcast of any election-related matter by television, radio, or similar media is strictly prohibited during the 48 hours leading up to the conclusion of polling. This restriction aims to create an environment where voters can make informed and independent choices, free from external influence or campaign pressure. The ECI directed all television and radio channels, cable operators, and online news portals to ensure that programmes aired during this period do not feature any form of political commentary, opinions, or appeals that could be interpreted as promoting or discrediting any political party or candidate. The Commission stressed that this includes indirect forms of campaigning through debates, discussions, or analysis that might sway voter sentiment. In addition to enforcing the silence period, the Commission also invoked Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act to ban the conduct, publication, or dissemination of exit polls from 7:00 AM on November 6 until 6:30 PM on November 11 — covering the entire polling period across both phases of the Bihar elections. This measure, the ECI said, is essential to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process and prevent premature speculation or influence on voter behavior during the polling window. The Commission reminded stakeholders that any violation of these directives is a punishable offense under the Act, carrying penalties that include imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both. Reiterating its commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness, the ECI appealed to media organisations to uphold these regulations “in letter and spirit.” It emphasized that ethical and responsible coverage during the election period plays a crucial role in strengthening democracy and maintaining public trust in the electoral system. The Commission also noted that it will closely monitor all forms of media, including television channels, FM stations, social media platforms, and digital news outlets, for potential breaches. It encouraged citizens to report any violations through official channels or the ECI’s cVIGIL app. With the silence period now in force, political campaigning, opinion polls, and any election-related promotion must cease until the conclusion of polling. The ECI reiterated that its guidelines are designed not to restrict free speech but to preserve the integrity of the democratic process during one of its most crucial phases — the exercise of the right to vote. ECI Imposes Silence Period Ahead of Bihar Polls The Election Commission of India has enforced a mandatory silence period before the Bihar Assembly elections, barring all election-related content across media platforms. Polling will be held in two phases, on November 6 and 11. Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, displaying or broadcasting campaign material during the 48 hours before voting ends is prohibited. Exit polls are also banned between November 6 and 11. The ECI has urged media houses to follow these rules strictly to ensure a fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process across the state.