Strict Rules On Release Of Manifestos: No Activity 48 Hours Before Polling, Orders Election Commission

The Election Commission (EC) on 16 March (Saturday), under the Model Code of Conduct, ruled that after the ‘48-hour-before-polling’ time limit, or what is called the ‘silence period’ kicks in, manifestos cannot be released.

“Having considered the suggestions and comments received from political parties, the Commission has fixed a timeline...which has now been included as para-number Four under Part-VIII [Guidelines on Election Manifestos] in the Model Code of Conduct,” stated the order.

Through letters dated 22 January and 9 February, the EC circulated a proposal among recognised state and national parties to fix a timeline on the release of manifestos, reported The Hindu.

During multi-phase polls, which will be the case in the Lok Sabha elections, the 48-hour restriction will apply before each polling date. Furthermore, the commission had also said that during the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders must not address the media.