The Election Commission has announced a silence period of 48 hours for Bihar elections 2025. During this period, there is a ban on campaigning, rallies, and opinion/exit polls. Breaking the rules can lead to a jail term of up to 2 years and a fine.
Patna: Before the voting of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued strict guidelines regarding ‘Silence Period’ for all political parties and media houses. The Commission has made it clear that violation of the rules during this 48 hours of silence will lead to strict action, which includes both imprisonment of up to two years and fine. This guideline will be applicable in both the phases of Bihar elections (6 November and 11 November).
What is prohibited (what not to do) during the silence period?
The Election Commission has prohibited the following activities during the silence period under Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951…
- Direct election campaigning: Holding public meetings, rallies, road shows or processions is strictly prohibited in any electoral area.
- Campaigning by Media: Display of election material through television, radio, cable networks or any other medium is prohibited.
- Appeals or views: Panelists or participants in programs broadcast on channels cannot broadcast views or appeals that may be considered to create an atmosphere in favor of a particular party or candidate.
- Opinion Poll: Conducting any type of opinion poll is completely prohibited during this 48 hour period.
- Use of loudspeaker: Use of loudspeaker for publicity is prohibited.
- Social Media/Digital Medium: Although the Commission has not specifically mentioned social media, as per the spirit of Section 126, no promotional material that directly influences voting can be shared on digital mediums either.
Exit poll ban period
The Commission has clarified that the exit poll can be conducted only after the second phase of voting is over.
- Ban period: 7:00 am on November 6, 2025 (Thursday) to 6:30 pm on November 11, 2025 (Tuesday).
- Reason: Since Bihar elections are in two phases, releasing the exit poll after the first phase of voting may impact the voters of the second phase, hence the complete ban will remain in place till the final voting is over.
Why is silence period important?
The main objective of the silence period is to give the voter time to select their candidate with peace and concentration, without any external pressure or campaign noise. This period gives voters an opportunity to reflect on the past promises and actions of candidates and parties.
harsh punishment for violation
The Commission has made it clear that strict punishment will be given to the guilty person for violating the provisions of Section 126. Violators can be punished with imprisonment of up to two years, fine or both. In the press note issued by Deputy Director P. Pawan, all media houses have been advised to follow these instructions ‘in their spirit’, so that fairness and transparency are maintained in the electoral environment.