The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notification prohibiting exit polls for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. This ban, effective from 7 am on September 18th to 6:30 pm on October 5th, covers all forms of media and dissemination of exit poll results.
The assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir will be conducted in three phases: September 18th, September 25th, and October 1st. Haryana’s assembly election will take place in a single phase on October 5th. The results of both elections are scheduled to be announced on October 8th.
The ECI’s decision to ban exit polls is rooted in a desire to prevent potential influence on voters during the election period. Exit polls, which are predictions based on voter feedback collected after polling, aim to reflect public sentiment before the official results are announced. However, their accuracy has been questioned in the past.
The ECI permits the publication of exit poll predictions 30 minutes after the last vote is cast, allowing for a period of post-election analysis. However, the ban on conducting and disseminating exit poll results during the voting process is aimed at ensuring a fair and unbiased electoral environment.
The ECI’s notification emphasizes the prohibition of displaying any election-related content, including results of opinion polls or surveys, on electronic media during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of polling. This regulation aims to prevent the spread of potentially misleading information and ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
The rules governing exit polls are outlined in Section 126A of the Representation of the People’s Act, 1951. This section clearly states that conducting exit polls and publishing or disseminating their results during the notified period is strictly prohibited. Any violation of these provisions carries a potential punishment of imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
The ECI’s decision to ban exit polls for the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a fair and transparent election. This measure aims to minimize the potential influence of pre-election predictions and allow voters to make informed decisions without undue pressure or manipulation.
