SRINAGAR, SEPT04: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has enforced a ban on exit polls during the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024, citing Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The prohibition starts from the beginning of polling hours on September 18, 2024, and continues until half an hour after the closing of the poll on October 5, 2024.
The ECI notification emphasizes that no person shall conduct or publish exit polls during the specified period. Any contravention of this section may result in imprisonment up to two years, a fine, or both.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections are scheduled to commence from September 18, 2024, in three phases across the Union Territory. The ECI had announced the election schedule through Press Note dated August 16, 2024, and Press Note dated August 31, 2024.
Under Section 126(1)(b) of the R.P. Act, 1951, displaying any election matter, including opinion polls or survey results, in electronic media or print is prohibited during the 48-hour period ending with the conclusion of polling.
The ECI has taken this step to ensure the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. The ban on exit polls aims to prevent any influence on voters during the polling period.
In the case of a bye-election or multiple bye-elections held together, the period may commence from the beginning of polling hours on the first day of polling and continue until half an hour after the closing of the poll.
If multiple bye-elections are held on different days, the period may commence from the beginning of polling hours on the first day and continue until half an hour after the closing of the last poll.
The notification added that any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to two years, or with a fine, or both.
Therefore, in exercise of the powers under sub-section (1) of Section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, and considering the provisions of sub-section (2) of the same section, the Election Commission hereby notifies the period between 7:00 A.M. on September 18, 2024 (Wednesday), and 6:30 P.M. on October 5, 2024 (Saturday), as the period during which the conducting, publishing, or publicizing of exit polls by any means, including print or electronic media, or dissemination in any other manner, shall be prohibited in connection with the aforementioned general elections.
Furthermore, it is clarified that under Section 126(1)(b) of the R.P. Act, 1951, displaying any election matter, including the results of any opinion poll or other poll survey, in any electronic media, is prohibited during the 48-hour period ending with the conclusion of polling in connection with the aforesaid general elections.
