Chennai, March 24: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced a complete ban on the conducting, publishing, or dissemination of exit polls during the upcoming assembly elections.
Voting is scheduled for April 9 in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, while Tamil Nadu will hold elections on April 23. West Bengal will have voting in two phases on April 23 and 29, with vote counting set for May 4.
This ban will take effect from 7 AM on April 9, coinciding with the start of voting in the first state, and will remain in place until 6:30 PM on April 29, marking the end of voting across all phases.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits the display or promotion of exit poll results through print, electronic media, or any other form of communication during the specified period.
The aim of this measure is to ensure free and fair elections by preventing any undue influence on voters during the polling process across various regions of the country.
In Tamil Nadu, elections will take place on April 23, with polling hours from 7 AM to 6 PM. The state is witnessing a vigorous electoral contest, with major political parties and alliances ramping up their campaigning efforts ahead of the voting day.
Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik reiterated that, in addition to the comprehensive exit poll ban, strict restrictions will also apply to opinion polls and related electoral content during the final phase of campaigning.
According to the law, any election-related content, including opinion poll results or survey findings, is prohibited on electronic media during the 48 hours prior to the end of voting in any state.
This ‘period’ is intended to provide voters with a calm and uninterrupted environment to make their electoral decisions without being influenced by speculative predictions or electoral messages. The Commission has consistently enforced these provisions in previous elections to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Officials stated that any violations of these guidelines will result in punitive action under the Representation of the People Act and other applicable laws.
Media organizations, digital platforms, and political stakeholders have been advised to strictly adhere to these regulations.
As electoral activities intensify in Tamil Nadu and other states and union territories, strict compliance with these restrictions is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining a fair environment and protecting the democratic process.