The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday extended the silence period to 72 hours from the existing 48 hours for the remaining three phases of the West Bengal assembly elections.
The EC also ordered that no campaigning would be allowed in the state between 7pm and 10am on campaign day, due to the risks posed by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
“In view of unprecedented public health situation and the imperative of ongoing elections, the commission today (Friday) extended the silence period up to 72 hours (instead of 48 hours) and restricted the period of campaign up to 7pm (instead of 10pm). These orders have come into effect immediately,” the press release said.
EC has directed political parties and candidates to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, and provide masks, sanitizers, etc., to the participants and account for the cost in expenditure limits.
“Candidates and political parties shall ensure absolute adherence to Covid-19 guidelines in letter and sprit,” the statement read. “Violations, if any shall be sternly dealt with and action, including criminal action, will be taken as per extant legal framework”
