Election Commission Bans Exit Polls Ahead of Crucial Assembly Elections

Strict Regulations on Exit Polls Announced

New Delhi: The Election Commission has declared that exit polls are prohibited from 7 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29, coinciding with the five assembly elections scheduled for this month.

The Commission has warned that any attempt to conduct or publish exit polls during this timeframe would violate section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which could lead to imprisonment for up to two years, a fine, or both.

Elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry will take place on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will hold its elections on April 23.

In West Bengal, voting is set for April 23 and April 29.

The 'silence period' in Kerala and Puducherry will begin at 6 pm on Tuesday, while in Assam, it will start at 5 pm.

This silence period signifies the cessation of campaigning 48 hours before the voting concludes in a specific constituency or across the state.

Only limited door-to-door campaigning by a few party workers or candidates is permitted, but enforcing this rule can be challenging in today's digital landscape.

Typically, voting hours are from 7 am to 6 pm, although these times may vary based on local terrain and security considerations.