Exit polls to be published after 6:00 PM on Oct5: ECI

CEC appeals to J&K voters to participate in large numbers

Jammu: As per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) through Press Note No. ECI/PN/132/2024, dated 31st August 2024, and under the provisions of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all media outlets (print, electronic, or digital), polling agencies, and individuals are hereby informed that publication or broadcast of exit poll results related to the ongoing elections in Jammu and Kashmir may be published after 6:00 PM onwards on 5th October 2024.
This restriction is mandated under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Violation of this provision may lead to legal action, including fines and imprisonment as prescribed by law.
The restriction applies to all forms of media including newspapers, television channels, radio, online news portals, social media platforms, and messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram etc. It also applies to political parties, candidates, polling agencies, and any individuals engaged in election-related activities.
The Chief Electoral Office, Jammu and Kashmir, along with the District Election Officers, Returning Officers and law enforcement agencies, will monitor compliance. Any violations will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
This measure aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure free and fair election environment, and to ensure that voters make their decisions uninfluenced by premature predictions or analysis of electoral outcomes.
All concerned parties, including media houses, social media platforms, and polling agencies, are urged to adhere to these instructions and refrain from publishing or sharing any exit poll results before the stipulated time.
Meanwhile, the , Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar urged voters to participate in greater numbers.
Kumar congratulated the people of J&K for turning out in record numbers. During the first phase, the voter turnout was 61.38%, and in the second phase, it was 57.3%. Comparatively, the voter turnout during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was 58.58%.
Kumar stated, “I congratulate the people of Jammu and Kashmir for participating in the celebration of democracy. We witnessed an increase in the voting percentage, the number of candidates, processions, and campaigning. In the last two phases of polling, there have been no cases of boycotts or repolling. This voter turnout is historic. We urge every section of society to cast their vote in the third phase of elections. In 17 assembly constituencies, the voting percentage of women is higher than that of men.”
More than 7,200 permissions were granted through the Suvidha portal for rallies and meetings.
The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25. Voting in the third phase will take place on Tuesday across 40 constituencies. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8, with results expected shortly afterward, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
More than 3.9 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 40 constituencies spread over seven districts. Voting will take place between 7 AM and 6 PM, with security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. At least 415 candidates, including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase.