As Kerala prepares for its single-phase assembly elections on April 9, the state is braced for a true three-way showdown. While the LDF fights to create history with a third straight victory, the UDF is banking on anti-incumbency for a comeback.
With the deadline for public campaigning ending on Tuesday, Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Rathan U. Kelkar, urged all political parties to strictly adhere to the mandatory 48-hour 'silence period' to ensure free and fair elections.
A lively dance video featuring Kerala's CEO has gone viral on social media.
The video aims to motivate young voters to cast their votes in the assembly polls. The 1.33-minute video shows CEO Kelkar dancing on the seashore with top officials involved in the conduct of elections, including District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram Anu Kumari, and Assistant Collector Dr Sivasakthivel.
Several initiatives were introduced by the Election Commission to encourage young voters, including providing 'halwa' to first-time voters in Kerala.
Also, Uber services would be free to polling stations within a two-kilometre radius in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram.
According to sources, state-run SupplyCo is also considering providing rice flour at Rs 1 on April 10 and 11, following the election.
To ensure free and fair elections, the Election Commission is enforcing strict restrictions during the 48-hour 'silence period' leading up to the conclusion of polling.
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No public meetings are permitted during this period.
Processions, rallies, musical events, plays, and any form of entertainment intended to influence voters are also prohibited.
The display of election-related content through television, cinema, or similar media platforms has also been banned. Prior approval from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) is required for political advertisements in newspapers on the day of polling and the preceding day.
