Kerala CEO announces end of campaigning, enforces 48-hour silence period

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala, Dr Rathan U Kelkar , on Monday announced that election campaigning for the upcoming Assembly polls will conclude at 6 pm on April 7 , triggering the mandatory 48-hour “silence period” ahead of voting on April 9.

Polling will be held across all 140 Assembly constituencies in the state, with authorities putting in place stringent measures to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections . The restrictions, enforced under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 , aim to allow voters to make independent choices without undue influence. During the silence period, public meetings, rallies, processions, and campaign-related cultural events such as musical or theatrical performances are strictly prohibited. The Election Commission has also barred the display of election-related content through television, cinema, radio, and other electronic media.

In addition, political advertisements in newspapers on the day of polling and the preceding day will require prior clearance from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) . Leaders and party workers who are not registered voters in a constituency have been directed to leave the area immediately after campaigning ends . Kelkar urged political parties, candidates, and citizens to strictly comply with the guidelines , emphasising that adherence is crucial to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.

The campaign phase witnessed high-voltage political activity , with major parties engaging in extensive outreach through roadshows, public rallies, and grassroots mobilisation. Key issues dominating the discourse included welfare schemes, unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure development , alongside sharp exchanges between rival political fronts.

According to election officials, over 2,500 candidates are contesting across the 140 constituencies, reflecting a multi-cornered contest in several seats. The state has an electorate of approximately 2.7 crore voters , who are set to exercise their franchise on April 9. With campaigning now drawing to a close, the focus shifts to voter turnout and the smooth conduct of polling, which will play a decisive role in shaping Kerala’s political landscape.