National Desk, 4th April: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a significant notification, prohibiting the conduct, publication, or publicizing of exit polls and opinion polls from 7:00 a.m. on April 19 to 6:30 p.m. on June 1. This ban is enforced ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and state assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim.
According to Notification No. 576/EXIT/2024/SDR-Vol.I, dated March 28, 2024, the ban aligns with the provisions outlined in Section 126A of The Representation of the People Act, 1951. This section explicitly forbids any person from conducting, publishing, or publicizing exit polls during the specified period.
The notification underscores that the ban applies across all forms of media, including print and electronic platforms. Individuals found violating these regulations could face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.
Recognizing the critical nature of the period between April 19 and June 1, the Election Commission aims to safeguard the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. By preventing the dissemination of premature or potentially misleading information, the decision seeks to uphold the autonomy of voter choice.
Additionally, under Section 126(1)(b) of the R.P. Act, 1951, the display of any election-related content, including the results of opinion polls or surveys, on electronic media is prohibited for 48 hours preceding the conclusion of the polls.
The Election Commission’s notification reaffirms its commitment to ensuring electoral transparency and integrity. By implementing this ban, the Commission aims to create a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, fostering an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
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