Delhi Polls 2025: Election Commission Bans Exit Polls on February 5

Delhi Polls 2025: Election Commission Bans Exit Polls on February 5

Election Commission Notification on Exit Poll Ban

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notification prohibiting the conduct, publication, or publicizing of exit polls on February 5, 2025. The ban will be in effect from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM, coinciding with the voting process for the Delhi Assembly elections and two by-elections in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Legal Basis for the Ban

The notification, issued on January 22, enforces Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits exit polls during a specified period. It also restricts the display of election-related content, including opinion poll results, in electronic media for 48 hours leading up to the conclusion of voting. This move is aimed at ensuring a fair electoral process without undue influence on voters.

States and Constituencies Affected

Apart from the Delhi Assembly elections, by-polls will also be held in the Milkipur Assembly constituency (Uttar Pradesh) and Erode (East) Assembly constituency (Tamil Nadu) on the same day. The restrictions on exit polls apply uniformly to all these elections.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions Governing Elections

The conduct of elections in India is governed by various constitutional provisions and legal frameworks:

1. Article 324 of the Indian Constitution grants the Election Commission of India the power to supervise, direct, and control elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
2. Representation of the People Act, 1951
   • Section 126A: Prohibits exit polls from the beginning of polling until the conclusion of voting.
   • Section 126(1)(b): Restricts the display of election-related content, including opinion polls, in electronic media during the 48-hour silence period before polling ends.
3. Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Issued by the ECI to regulate political campaigning and maintain free and fair elections.

Political Campaigns Intensify Ahead of Delhi Elections

With the Delhi elections just days away, political parties have intensified their campaigns. On February 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), calling it an "AAP-DA" (disaster) government that has allegedly mismanaged Delhi for 11 years. He assured voters that if the BJP is elected, no slum dwellings will be demolished, and existing welfare schemes will continue.

Triangular Contest in Delhi Elections

The Delhi Assembly elections on February 5 will witness a three-way battle between the BJP, Congress, and AAP. The results will be declared on February 8, determining the future governance of the national capital.

Conclusion

The Election Commission's strict enforcement of exit poll bans and electoral guidelines highlights its commitment to conducting free and fair elections. As the political landscape in Delhi heats up, voters await the outcome of this crucial election that will shape the governance of the capital for the next five years.