With the clock ticking down to polling day, the state will enter a tightly regulated 48-hour "silence period" beginning Tuesday (April 7) evening, as authorities move to ensure a free and fair electoral process.
Kerala goes to the polls on Thursday to elect 140 new legislators, and counting of votes will take place on May 4. Chief Electoral Officer Dr Rathan U. Kelkar announced on Monday that all forms of public campaign activity will come to a halt at 6 p.m. on April 7, in accordance with election laws.
The restrictions, enforced under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibit candidates, political parties, and supporters from organising or participating in public meetings, rallies, or processions during the final 48 hours leading up to the close of voting.
Cultural events such as music shows, theatrical performances, or any form of entertainment aimed at influencing voters are also strictly banned during this period. Authorities have also barred the display of election-related content through television, cinema, or similar electronic mediums.
The prohibition extends to radio broadcasts, ensuring that voters are not subjected to any last-minute political messaging that could sway their decision. In addition, political advertisements in newspapers on the day before polling and on polling day itself will require prior clearance from the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).
In a further measure to prevent undue influence, political workers, party functionaries, and campaigners who are not registered voters in a constituency must leave the area immediately after the campaign period ends. This step is aimed at minimising external interference and maintaining a level playing field for all candidates.
Emphasising the importance of voter confidence, the Chief Electoral Officer urged all political parties, candidates, and the general public to strictly adhere to these guidelines. The overarching objective, he said, is to create an environment where voters can exercise their franchise freely, without fear, inducement, or pressure.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar launched a Gen Z-themed voter awareness song in Malayalam in Kochi, aimed at encouraging young voters to take an active role in the electoral process. The initiative uses a lively video format, where groups of youngsters convey the importance of voting through music and dance.
This voter awareness rap song features a diverse Gen Z group, comprising young men and women appearing as professionals and students, sending out a direct message: "This is your vote and our country needs your vote." Through energetic visuals and relatable expressions, the performers appeal to first-time and young voters to participate in elections in large numbers.
This song, part of the SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation), was presented during an interaction with students, first-time voters, and voter pledge sessions in Kochi on Sunday, said a local media report.
In one segment, a youngster raises a common concern, asking, "What can happen with my single vote?" The question reflects a widespread perception among youth, often leading to hesitation or indifference towards voting.
Addressing this, the group generating awareness responds by underlining the power of an individual vote, stating that even a single vote can influence the final outcome of an election. Drawing a simple comparison, they note that "many drops create a huge wave in the sea," reinforcing the idea of collective impact.
The song further stresses that every vote contributes to strengthening democracy. "This message will rise from your vote," the performers say, urging young voters to come forward and take responsibility.
The theme of unity runs through the presentation, with a clear call for young people to safeguard the future of the country by participating in the electoral process. The campaign song concludes with the slogan "we vote, we decide," highlighting the decisive role of youth in shaping the nation's direction.
Young voters have emerged as a significant electoral force in recent years. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, citizens aged 18–29 accounted for an estimated 18–20 per cent of the total electorate across the country, reflecting their growing influence.
Similarly, in the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections, youth voters formed nearly 20 per cent of the voter base, indicating strong participation levels in the state. These figures underline the importance of targeted campaigns, such as the Gen Z vote song, in ensuring higher engagement among young citizens.
(With inputs from IANS)
