BS EDIT: Does India’s Campaign Silence Period Need a Rethink?

Election Commission’s Rule

• Campaigning stops 48 hours before voting

• Aims to prevent bribery, misuse of resources & hate speech

Is It Still Effective?

• Politicians campaign early to bypass rules

• Budgets, policies & social media still influence voters

Long Elections, Unfair Advantage?

• 2024 polls lasted 1.5 months across 7 phases

• National parties stay in campaign mode, others lose out

Social Media Loophole

• Political influencers stay active despite the ban

• Ads & indirect promotions continue on polling day

What Other Countries Do

• Many follow a 24-48 hour silence rule

• US bans only booth-area campaigning, allowing free speech

The Way Forward

• Should India revise the silent period?

• Adapting for social media, phased polls & fairer elections