EC says results of opinion polls cannot be broadcast in 48 hours before end of poll

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The Election Commission today said that no dissemination of results of opinion polls on electronic media is allowed under section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 during the 48 hours (counted backward from the close of poll) in each phase of poll in the ongoing Assembly elections in five states.

 

Polling has already been conducted in Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand, while Uttar Pradesh will have polling in seven phases between tomorrow and March 3. Polling will be held in Goa on March 3.

 

"The Election Commission of India has notified the period for ban on exit poll from 7.00 a.m. on 28th January 2012 to 5.30 p.m. on 3rd March 2012, as required under section 126 A of Representation of the People Act 1951 both on electronic and print media in respect of ongoing general elections to 5 states legislative assemblies," a statement from the Commission said.

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"Besides, regarding opinion poll, no dissemination of results in any manner whatsoever on electronic media is allowed under section 126 of the Representation of the people Act, 1951 during period of 48 hrs (counted backwards from close of poll) in each phase of poll," it said.

 

"However, there is no ban on opinion poll in print media as section 126 of Representation of the People Act 1951, does not apply to print media," the statement added.

 

NNN

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