New Zealand began its general election day Saturday under a strict rule that bars campaigning and election-related commentary until polls close. Polling places opened at 9 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. local time, according to the Associated Press.

The blackout began at midnight. Reuters reported that campaign advertising and material that could influence voters must stay off public channels during the period. The restriction applies to parties, news outlets and social media users, making election day unusually quiet compared with campaigns in many other democracies.

Voting started early on October 26. More than 1.6 million of the nearly 3.8 million enrolled voters had cast ballots before election day, the Electoral Commission figures cited by AP showed. Voters choose members of the country’s single-chamber Parliament, which determines who can form the next government.

Preliminary counts are expected after voting ends, while the official result is scheduled for November 27 after special and overseas votes are included. The blackout is intended to prevent last-minute messages from influencing voters while polling places remain open.

Sources: Associated Press; Reuters; Elections New Zealand.