Raipur: In view of the assembly general elections in five states including Chhattisgarh, the Election Commission of India has banned organizing or telecasting any kind of exit poll from November 7 to November 30. A notification in this regard has been issued by the Commission today. Under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission has banned the conduct or telecast of exit polls during this period.
The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), is the primary legislation that governs elections in India. Section 126A of the RPA prohibits the conduct of exit polls and the dissemination of their results during a specific period, which is from the time the polls start until half an hour after the time fixed for the close of polls for the last phase in all the States.
The purpose of this ban is to prevent exit polls from influencing the voting behavior of voters who have not yet cast their vote. Exit polls can create a bandwagon effect, where voters are more likely to vote for a candidate or party that is perceived to be winning. This can disadvantage other candidates or parties, and undermine the fairness and integrity of the election process.
The RPA also empowers the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action against any person or organization that violates the ban on exit polls. The ECI can impose a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, on violators.
The Election Commission of India has notified the period from 7 AM on November 7 to 6.30 PM on November 30 as a restricted period for conducting and telecasting exit polls in view of the assembly general elections in five states. During this period, there will be a ban on organizing any kind of exit poll in connection with the Assembly general elections or publishing or publicizing its results through print or electronic media or in any other way.
Meanwhile, ECI tweeted to remind voters to enroll themselves in the voter list in ongoing ‘Special Summary Revision 2024’.
Interestingly, there are 60.2 lakh first-time voters in these states. There are 17.34 lakh PWD voters, 24.7 lakh senior voters, and 32.410 centenarian voters who shall be allowed to vote from the comfort of their home. “From roll to poll” is the effort the Commission is undertaking, adds Sh. Rajiv Kumar. It is crucial that every voter votes and therefore, ECI has launched a song to motivate voters to use their vote.
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