The Election Commission of India issued a notification on 30th March, 2024, detailing the regulations and prohibitions related to the conduct of exit polls and dissemination of their results. It specifically refers to the General Elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim in 2024, along with bye-elections to 25 Assembly Constituencies in 12 States.
The notification cites the relevant legal provision, which prohibits the conduct, publication, or publicizing of exit polls during a specified period, and outlines the consequences of contravening these regulations, including imprisonment and/or fines.
The notification further specified the period for conducting and publishing exit polls as between 7:00 AM on 19th April, 2024 (Friday) and 6:30 PM on 1st June, 2024 (Saturday). This period applies to the General Elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim in 2024, as well as the bye-election to 25 Assembly Constituencies in 12 States.
The notification prohibits the conducting and dissemination of exit polls by any means, including print or electronic media, during this specified period. Additionally, the display of election-related content, including the results of any opinion poll or poll survey, in any electronic media is also prohibited during the 48 hours ending with the conclusion of the polls.
Additionally, the notification specifies the exact period during which the prohibition of exit polls is in effect, and it emphasizes that the display of election-related content in electronic media is also restricted during the 48 hours preceding the conclusion of the polls.
