The Election Commission has imposed a ban on exit polls for the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, reinforcing rules aimed at ensuring a fair voting process.
Exit polls banned till April 29
In an official announcement, the poll body stated that exit polls cannot be conducted or published from 7 am on April 9 until 6.30 pm on April 29, reported The Times of India.
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The Commission warned that violating this directive would attract legal consequences. Conducting or broadcasting exit polls in the period is violative of section 126A of the Representation of People Act, 1951 and is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with a fine or both, the poll body was quoted as saying by TOI.
The restriction is reportedly part of standard procedures to prevent any potential influence on voters during the election period.
Poll schedule across states
As per the election timetable, voting in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will take place on April 9.
Polling in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 23, while West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29.
Counting of votes for all states will be carried out on May 4.
'Silence period' rules in place
The Commission has also reiterated rules around the 48-hour silence period, which marks the end of campaigning before voting concludes.
This period will begin at 6 pm in Kerala and Puducherry, and at 5 pm in Assam ahead of polling day.
Under Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, displaying election-related content, including opinion polls, on electronic media is prohibited during this time.
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Campaigning restrictions
During the silence period, most forms of campaigning are barred. Only limited door-to-door outreach by party workers or candidates is permitted.
However, enforcing these rules in the digital era remains a challenge, especially with the rapid spread of information online.
Voting hours are generally between 7 am and 6 pm, though timings may vary depending on local conditions such as terrain and security arrangements.
