KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Sep 30: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a strict directive prohibiting the publication or broadcast of any exit poll results related to the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections until 6:00 PM on October 5, 2024. The guideline is mandated under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
According to the guidelines, no media outlet, polling agency or individual is permitted to publish or broadcast exit poll data before the stipulated time. The restriction covers all forms of media, including print, electronic, and digital platforms, as well as social media services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
“This measure is in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Publishing or broadcasting exit polls before voting concludes could influence voter behavior and compromise the fairness of the elections,” a spokesperson for the ECI stated.
The ECI has made it clear that violations of this rule could lead to legal consequences. Penalties under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, include fines and imprisonment, making it imperative for all concerned parties to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
The Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, in coordination with District Election Officers, Returning Officers, and law enforcement agencies, will be actively monitoring media channels and polling agencies to ensure compliance. “We will take any violations seriously and pursue legal action as per the law,” an official from the Chief Electoral Office affirmed.
Political parties, candidates, polling agencies, and the general public have also been warned to refrain from sharing or discussing exit poll results, even through social media or messaging platforms. The restriction applies to everyone engaged in election-related activities, ensuring that premature predictions do not affect voters’ decisions.
“This regulation ensures a level playing field for all candidates and allows voters to make their decisions free from external influence or speculative forecasts,” said a senior election officer.
The prohibition is seen as a necessary measure to preserve a free and fair election environment, allowing voters to cast their ballots without being influenced by exit poll predictions or analyses. The ECI has urged all stakeholders, including media houses and polling agencies, to respect this directive and avoid publishing any data before the designated time.
All media outlets, including newspapers, television channels, and online news portals, are encouraged to exercise caution during this period. “We understand the curiosity surrounding election results, but we must all abide by the law to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process,” said a media ethics expert.
