There are multiple periods of time in this E.O. The 45 days is after the conclusion of the election.
"Section 1. (a) Not later than 45 days after the conclusion of a United
States election, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with
the heads of any other appropriate executive departments and agencies
(agencies), shall conduct an assessment of any information indicating that
a foreign government, or any person acting as an agent of or on behalf
of a foreign government, has acted with the intent or purpose of interfering
in that election."
EO:
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2018-09-14/pdf/2018-20203.pdf