Exit Polls

Exit polls were recently released for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram.

Understanding Exit Polls:
- Exit polls are surveys of voters conducted as they leave polling stations.
- They aim to collect data on voting choices and voter demographics.
- These polls offer early insights into election outcomes before the official results.
- 1957: The first exit poll in India was conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Opinion during the Lok Sabha elections.
Regulation of Exit Polls in India:
- Governed by Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which restricts exit polls during certain periods.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) oversees exit poll regulations.
- Media outlets conducting exit polls must disclose methodology details, including sample size, polling methods, margin of error, and the polling agency’s background.
- A ban on publishing exit poll results is enforced until the conclusion of the last voting phase.
- Media outlets conducting exit polls are required to register with the ECI.
Why in News
- Exit polls were recently released for the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram.