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Daily News Analysis

EXIT POLLS AND OPINION POLLS

6th December, 2022 Polity and Governance

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  • Several organizations have published exit polls related to Gujarat, Delhi MCD, and Himachal Pradesh election results.
  • In India, publishing results of exit polls for a particular election are not allowed till the last vote has been cast.
    • Exit polls generate a lot of curiosity and sometimes predict election results most accurately.
  • An exit poll asks voters which political party they are supporting after they have cast their votes in an election.
    • It differs from an opinion poll, which is held before the elections.
  • An exit poll is expected to reflect which political party has an edge in the election, along with the issues, personalities, and loyalties that have influenced voters.
  • Critics also say that the results gathered in exit polls can be influenced by the choice, wording and timing of the questions, and by the nature of the sample drawn.
    • Political parties often allege that these polls are motivated, or financed by a rival party.
  • In 2004, the Election Commission approached the Law Ministry seeking an amendment to the Representation of the People Act to provide for a ban on both exit and opinion polls during a period specified by the Commission.
    • In February 2010, restrictions were imposed only on exit polls through the introduction of Section 126(A) in the RPA.
  • In 2013, the EC held consultations with political parties to revive its demand to restrict pre-election opinion polls as well from the date of notification of elections until the end of polling.
    • The suggestion was sent to the Law Ministry, but no action has been taken on it so far.
  • Currently, exit polls can’t be published till the last phase of voting concludes.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-are-exit-polls-what-rules-govern-them-in-india-8306979/ 

https://t.me/+hJqMV1O0se03Njk9