Polling Day Communication Rules and Limits
General information only. General operational descriptions do not replace the applicable election instructions. Confirm uncertain activities with the relevant authority or qualified adviser.
Read This First
What Applies on Polling Day
Polling day falls inside the 48-hour silence period. This page describes the general distinction between restricted campaign content and other activity. It is not legal clearance for any constituency.
Check Before Assuming
Team check-ins, turnout notes and logistics escalation are different in purpose from campaign content, but no named activity is always permitted. Whether a specific message is allowed depends on its content and the applicable instructions. Voter transport is a restricted practice and is not arranged by the campaign.
Restricted During Silence Period
Candidate promotion, manifesto content, canvassing appeals, and any voter-facing message designed to influence how someone votes.
Polling day is inside the silence period covering the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll (Representation of the People Act, 1951, s.126), and ECI instructions have applied it to political bulk SMS and voice messages. Team logistics differ in purpose, but no activity is automatically permitted. General operational descriptions do not replace the applicable election instructions; confirm uncertain activities with the Returning Officer or a qualified adviser.
The Plan
Who Resolves What
Applicable Instructions
The Election Commission of India issues instructions for each election. The campaign or its adviser reviews the current ones before polling day.
Uncertain Cases
If the campaign is unsure whether a message or activity is allowed, it asks the Returning Officer or a qualified election-law adviser before acting, and keeps a record of the answer.
What Was Sent and Why
Keep a log of any message sent on polling day, its recipients and the basis on which it was considered permitted.
Compliance
Compliance at a Glance
Sources and Scope
The silence period applies across channels — SMS, voice calls and IVR content alike. WhatsApp Business Platform is not available for political campaigns at any time under WhatsApp's own policy.
Sources: Representation of the People Act, 1951, section 126; Election Commission of India instructions for the specific election (eci.gov.in). This page is general information, not legal advice for a specific constituency. See the compliance guide and the timing restrictions page.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Polling day falls inside the silence period covering the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll, and ECI instructions have applied it to political bulk SMS and voice messages.
Not automatically. Team logistics differ in purpose from campaign content, but whether a specific message is allowed depends on its content and the applicable instructions. Confirm uncertain activities with the Returning Officer or a qualified adviser.
The applicable Election Commission of India instructions govern it. For an uncertain case, ask the Returning Officer or a qualified election-law adviser before acting, and keep a record of the answer.
Official Sources and Responsibility
Source links checked on 26 October 2026. These references describe separate checks; confirm the current instructions for the relevant election and the provider's written requirements.
- ECI order 491/MediaPolicy/2015/Communication, 28 May 2015: political bulk SMS and recorded voice advertisements fall within pre-certification. The sending entity must confirm clearance with the relevant MCMC.
- ECI Handbook for Candidate, 2023, sections 7.12 and 7.13: timing restrictions and political-advertisement certification. Confirm the polling area's applicable dates and uncertain activities with the Returning Officer or qualified adviser.
- TRAI: Advice to Senders, regulatory requirements and header/content-template registration: the sender and DLT operator confirm the SMS setup. The voice/number provider separately confirms outbound numbering, calling and inbound provisioning requirements.
- WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy, government and political use, updated 23 September 2026: political Platform eligibility is separate from consent and template approval.
