Ban on opinion poll only for electronic media

The Election Commission on Tuesday reiterated that its order banning opinion poll, i.e., dissemination of results in any manner, was applicable to the electronic media during the 48 hours prior to the conclusion of polling hours, where the elections will be held till March 3.

“However, there is no ban on the opinion poll in the print media as Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, does not apply to the print media,” the EC said in a release.

It also recalled that the ban on Exit poll has been in force since 7 a.m. on January 28 (when Manipur went to the polls) and continue till 5.30 p.m. on March 3 (when polls in U.P. and Goa conclude).

This will be applicable to both the electronic and the print media.