Assembly Elections 2023: Election Commission bans Exit Polls from Nov 7 till Nov 30 evening

Digital Desk: The Indian Election Commission on Tuesday banned the publication or dissemination of exit poll results from November 7 to November 30 evening in view of the upcoming state assembly elections in five states.

The prohibition will be in place from 7 am on November 7 till 6:30 pm on November 30, according to the poll body.

"The Election Commission, having regard to the provisions of sub-Section (2) of the said Section, hereby notifies the period between 7:00 am on 7th November 2023 (Tuesday) and 6:30 PM on 30th November 2023 (Thursday) as the period during which conducting and publishing or publicizing exit polls using the print or electronic media or dissemination in any other manner whatsoever, the result of any exit poll in connection with the aforesaid General Elections and bye-election shall be prohibited," the official notification issued by ECI read.

Exit poll is a survey that is carried out right after voters have cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. This tool facilitates the assessment of public support for political parties and their nominees.

Mizoram on November 7, Chhattisgarh on November 7 and November 17, Madhya Pradesh on November 17, Rajasthan on November 25, and Telangana on November 30 are the dates for the five states' elections.

The counting of votes will take place on December 3 in all the states. Of the five states, polling in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases.

The publication of poll dates resulted in the Model Code of Conduct into effect. Since these polls are taking place months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections that are set for April and May of next year, these elections are quite important.

Approximately 16 crore people are eligible to cast ballots in these elections, according to the Chief Election Commissioner.