Elections – Press Council Urges Strict Compliance on Exit Poll Rules
Elections – The Press Council of India has issued a fresh advisory to media organisations, calling for strict adherence to legal provisions and ethical standards during the upcoming Assembly elections and bypolls across several states.
Advisory Issued Ahead of Multi-State Polls
With Assembly elections scheduled in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, along with by-elections in multiple constituencies across states such as Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura, the Press Council has reminded the media of its responsibilities during this critical period. The body stressed that election coverage must remain balanced, lawful, and free from any content that could mislead voters or disrupt the democratic process.
Legal Restrictions on Exit Poll Publication
The Council highlighted the provisions of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which clearly restricts the conduct and publication of exit polls during a specific timeframe. According to the law, no individual or organisation is allowed to carry out or publish exit poll findings through any medium, including print, digital, or broadcast platforms, once the restricted period begins.
This restriction typically starts from the commencement of voting on the first polling day and continues until half an hour after voting concludes across all regions. For by-elections, the same rule applies, extending from the start of polling to shortly after the final vote is cast. In cases where polling is conducted in phases, the restriction remains in place until the completion of the last phase.
Penalties for Violations
The Press Council warned that failure to comply with these legal requirements could lead to serious consequences. Any violation of Section 126A may result in imprisonment of up to two years, a monetary penalty, or both. The advisory serves as a reminder that election-related reporting is governed not only by ethical standards but also by enforceable laws.
Emphasis on Responsible Journalism
Beyond legal compliance, the Council urged newspapers to follow the ‘Norms of Journalistic Conduct, 2022 Edition,’ particularly in relation to pre-poll and exit poll coverage. It underlined the importance of maintaining credibility and preventing the spread of misinformation, especially during elections when public opinion can be easily influenced.
The advisory noted that media platforms are increasingly being targeted by groups attempting to shape voter perception through indirect or subtle methods. These may include narratives based on caste, religion, or ethnicity, as well as sponsored surveys presented as independent findings.
Transparency in Pre-Poll Surveys
To ensure accountability, the Council advised that any pre-poll survey published in newspapers must include complete disclosure of essential details. This includes the name of the agency conducting the survey, the entity that commissioned it, the size and type of the sample, the methodology used, and the margin of error. Such transparency is necessary to help readers assess the reliability of the data being presented.
Concerns Over Phased Elections
The Council also expressed concern about the impact of exit polls during elections held in multiple phases. It pointed out that releasing such data before all phases are completed could influence voters in areas where polling is still pending. This, it said, could undermine the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.
To prevent any undue influence, the Council reiterated that no exit poll results should be published until the entire voting process has concluded. This applies regardless of the perceived accuracy or credibility of the data.
Call to Uphold Democratic Integrity
In its concluding remarks, the Press Council urged all print media outlets to exercise restraint and strictly follow both legal provisions and ethical guidelines. It emphasised that responsible journalism plays a vital role in safeguarding democratic values and maintaining public trust.
The advisory reinforces the expectation that media organisations must act with caution, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring that election coverage contributes positively to an informed and fair democratic process.