CHANDIGARH: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued guidelines to the district election officers (DEOs) to ensure prohibition from 6pm on February 18 to conclusion of polling at 6pm on February 20. Voting will take place from 8am to 6pm.
Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO) S Karuna Raju said campaigning in all 117 assembly constituencies would end 48 hours prior to polling time. All political leaders, functionaries or party workers who are not registered voters will have to vacate assembly constituency in this period. Elected MPs or MLAs would not be asked to leave constituencies during election even if he or she is not an elector.
Election and police administration have been directed to keep a close check on community centres, guest houses and lodges. The commission has imposed complete prohibition on broadcasting or propagating election related material on television, radio and newspapers during last 48 hours before poll.