Majuli by-poll: ECI imposes curbs; notifies ban on exit poll

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a ban on conducting any exit polls and publishing or publishing the results of any exit polls in any way in connection with the by-elections to be held on March 7, 2022.

The ECI has been informed of the provisions of sub-section (2) of the said section under sub-section (1) of section 126A of the Public Representation Act. The period in which an exit poll is conducted and the publication or advertisement through print or electronic media or any other means of broadcasting, the result of an exit poll in connection with a by-election, an official statement said on Friday. Elections for the Assam Legislative Assembly 2022 99-Majuli (ST) constituency have been banned.

The notification further clarified that under section 126 (1) (b) of the RP Act, 1951, it would be prohibited to show the results of any election, including any poll or any other survey, in any electronic media. The by-election ends with a 48-hour deadline for polling to close.

The statement said, “Violation of this ban is punishable by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine or both.”

Assam Chief Electoral Officer Nitin Khade has urged all concerned to adhere strictly to the ECI’s directives on exit polls and polls during this period in the interest of smooth completion of by-election process in the state.

Meanwhile, according to ECI guidelines under section 126 of the Public Representation Act, 1951, the election campaign in 99-Majuli (ST) constituency will end 48 hours before the end of polling.

“Accordingly, no party or candidate will be allowed to campaign from 5 pm onwards. From March 5 to 5 pm on March 7, 2022,” a statement said, adding that the RP Act Prohibits, among other things, from inviting, holding, attending, attending or addressing any public gathering, meeting, procession, etc. Televisions, cinematographs, or similar devices are also prohibited.

“Anyone violating this order will be liable to imprisonment for up to two years, or a fine, or both,” he said.