ECI bans exit polls in five states during elections

HYDERABAD: The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a notification on Monday prohibiting exit polls in five states where elections were being held in November 2023: Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram.

The ECI orders would take effect in the states of Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram from 7 a.m. on November 7th until 6.30 p.m. on November 30th, 2023.

Conducting and publishing or publicising exit polls through print or electronic media, or dissemination in any other way, would be strictly prohibited between 7 a.m. on November 7 and 6:30 p.m. on November 30, 2023.

According to electoral law, "any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both."