Voting is set to be held across 90 seats in Haryana in a single phase on October 5. The results for both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir will be declared on October 8.
Before the counting of votes takes place, all eyes will be on the exit poll predictions released by various pollsters for both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
According to the Election Commission notification, the exit poll predictions can be released only after the voting ends in Haryana.
When are Haryana exit polls?
The poll panel has instructed TV channel not to air exit poll predictions before 6pm on October 5 (Saturday).
Thus, the exit poll predictions will be released post 6pm on Saturday.
The embargo is imposed whenever assembly or Lok Sabha elections are announced and is lifted once voting concludes in all states participating in that electoral cycle.
The three-phase J&K elections concluded on October 1. The single-phase assembly polls in Haryana on Saturday will mark the end of the current voting cycle.
On Saturday, several news channels along with pollsters are expected to make their predictions about the outcome of the poll results in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.
What are the Election Commission guidelines on exit polls?
According to the EC guidelines, the violations of its guidelines can lead to legal action, including fines and imprisonment.
“The restriction applies to all forms of media, including newspapers, television channels, radio, online news portals, social media platforms and messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram etc. It also applies to political parties, candidates, polling agencies and any individuals engaged in election-related activities,” a statement by EC said earlier.
It said the CEO, along with the district election officers, returning officers and law-enforcement agencies, will monitor compliance. “Any violations will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law,” it added.
The statement said the measure aims at maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a free and fair election environment, and to ensure that voters make their decisions uninfluenced by premature predictions or analysis of electoral outcomes.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
