A 48-hour silence period will begin from April 7 for the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency by-election, with strict curbs on campaigning and movement of non-voters.
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MOKOKCHUNG — Campaigning for the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency by-election will end at 4 pm on April 7, after which a mandatory 48-hour silence period will come into force, the Mokokchung district administration said on Saturday.
In an order issued under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Ajit Kumar Verma said all forms of public campaigning will be prohibited during the final 48 hours leading up to polling.
The order bans public meetings, rallies and processions after the deadline, and prohibits the display of election-related material through electronic media, including television and similar devices. It also bars any form of campaign-related activity through entertainment such as musical concerts or theatrical performances intended to influence voters.
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The administration further directed that all political functionaries, party workers and other individuals brought in from outside the constituency who are not registered voters of 28-Koridang must leave the area immediately after campaigning ends.
It stated that continued presence of such persons could affect the conduct of a free and fair election.
All stakeholders have been instructed to comply strictly with the guidelines, with violations attracting punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Officials including the Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officers, magistrates, police and security personnel have been tasked with enforcing the restrictions and ensuring that non-electors exit the constituency after the close of campaigning.