Guwahati: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued an advisory prohibiting the telecast and publication of opinion polls, exit polls, and related content during the silence period for the Assam Assembly elections 2026.

According to the advisory released on Tuesday, the restrictions came into force at 5:00 PM on April 7, marking the start of the mandatory 48-hour silence period ahead of the close of polling. The directive applies to all media platforms, including television, radio, digital outlets, and social media, under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.

The commission has also instructed electronic media to refrain from airing any programmes or discussions that could influence voters during this period. It emphasized that the silence period is meant to provide voters with a calm environment to make independent decisions without external pressure or persuasion.

The ECI warned that any violation of these guidelines would invite strict legal action as per the law. The advisory comes as campaigning draws to a close across the state, with political parties making their final push ahead of polling.