Assam Assembly Election 2026: ECI Imposes Silence Period and Exit Poll Ban

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has imposed a silence period ahead of the Assam Assembly Election 2026, barring all display of election-related content from 5:00 PM on April 7 to 5:00 PM on April 9, 2026 — a window covering the 48 hours leading up to the close of polling.

The poll schedule for the Assam Legislative Assembly was announced by the ECI on March 15, 2026, with voting set for April 9.

 Also Read: ECI briefs Central Observers ahead of elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry

Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, television channels, radio stations, and cable networks are prohibited from broadcasting any material that could be seen as promoting or harming the prospects of any party or candidate during this period.

This includes views or appeals made by panellists, opinion polls, and any other content that could influence voter behaviour.

The ECI has specifically directed all TV, radio, and cable platforms to review their programming and ensure full compliance during the silence window.

Separately, the Commission has invoked Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to prohibit the conduct and publication of exit polls across both print and electronic media.

The exit poll ban is in effect from 7:00 AM on April 9 (Thursday) through 6:30 PM on April 29, 2026 (Wednesday).

Violating Section 126A is a criminal offence, punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.

The Election Commission has urged all media organisations to follow these directives in both letter and spirit.

Any outlet found broadcasting election matter during the silence period, or publishing exit poll data before the ban lifts, risks serious legal consequences under the 1951 Act.