SEC Relaxes Campaign Rules, Permits Limited Door-to-Door Outreach in Maharashtra
SEC permits limited voter outreach after campaign deadline.
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has allowed a narrowly defined form of door-to-door voter outreach by candidates contesting the upcoming civic elections, even after the official public campaign period has concluded. The move comes with strict conditions aimed at preventing large-scale or disruptive campaigning while maintaining order ahead of polling day.
As per the SEC’s directive, candidates are prohibited from using microphones, loudspeakers, or any electronic amplification devices during such personal visits. In addition, movement in large groups has been expressly barred, with the number of persons accompanying a candidate capped at five, reinforcing the commission’s intent to restrict visibility and noise during the post-campaign phase.
Opposition parties have voiced strong objections to the decision, alleging that it weakens the very restrictions imposed by the election authority. Critics argue that permitting personal voter contact after the formal end of public canvassing undermines the spirit of the campaign silence period and may offer candidates an opportunity to continue influencing voters.
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The SEC has maintained that candidates may meet voters individually and conduct door-to-door visits beyond a 100-metre radius of polling stations even after the campaign deadline, provided they do so without supporters and without using loudspeakers or electronic media. The poll body cited a February 14, 2012, order to clarify that such limited personal interaction does not amount to public canvassing when conducted under clearly defined constraints.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra are scheduled to take place on Thursday. The commission further stated that campaigning through electronic media, including SMS and other digital platforms, is strictly prohibited after the end of the public campaign period, and that the order has been circulated to all municipal commissioners and district collectors to ensure consistent implementation across the state.
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