What are exit polls :
Exit pols are surveys conducted with voters as they leave your polling station during an election. The purpose is to gather information on how people voted and their demographic characteristics. These poles provide early indications of election results before official results are announced.
An exit Pol was conducted by the Indian institute of public opinion during the second lok sabha elections in 1957.
How is exit poll regulated in India :
The election commission is responsible for regulating the use of exit polls. According to the ECI exit pols can only be conducted during a specific period.
This period starts from the time when the polling booth closed and ends 30 minutes after the last both has closed.
Exit pols cannot be conducted during the voting period or on polling day. The AC issued guidelines under article 324 prohibiting newspapers and channels from publishing results of pre-election service and exit polls.
The ban on the publication of exit polls remains in place until the last phase of voting is completed.
Way forward :
Emphasize the importance of transparency in the methodology of conducting exit polls.
Collaborative efforts between election authorities, media and polling agencies can lead to refined guidelines that address emerging challenges and ensure fairness and accuracy in the reporting of exit poll results.