EC enforces exit poll ban during polls

Srinagar: The Election Commission has prohibited the release of exit polls by media outlets or in any other manner during the assembly elections-2024 for Jammu and Kashmir under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an official spokesman said.It is a routine exercise by the EC during elections to ensure a level playing field."The exit poll ban on election results, according to the notification, starts from the beginning of hours fixed for the voting on the first day of poll and continues till half an hour after the closing of the voting in J-K," the spokesman said. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in three phases with voting for the first phase to be held on September 18 followed by the second phase on September 25 and the third phase on October 1.Invoking Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (R.P. Act, 1951), the ECI notification emphasised that "no person shall conduct any exit poll and publish or publicise by means of the print or electronic media, or disseminate in any other manner whatsoever, the result of any exit poll during such period as may be notified by the Election Commission in this regard.""Any person who contravenes the provisions of this section shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term that may extend to two years, or with a fine, or both," the ECI notification reads. The ECI said under Section 126(1)(b) of the R.P. Act, 1951, displaying any election matter, including the results of any opinion poll or other poll survey, in any electronic media, is prohibited during the 48-hour period ending with the conclusion of polling in connection with these general elections. PTI

EC issues notification for phase-2 polling in Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls

The Election Commission has announced that candidates can file nominations for the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir until September 5. Voting will take place on September 25 across 26 seats. This election is particularly significant as it is the first since the abrogation of Article 370, marking a crucial political event in the region.

'Any agreement only happens if ... ': What Congress leader said on alliance with AAP for Haryana polls

Congress leader Deepak Babaria indicated that an alliance with AAP for Haryana elections will proceed only if it benefits both parties. A decision is anticipated within two to three days. Additionally, CPM and Samajwadi Party have approached Congress seeking an alliance in the state assembly elections to establish their presence in Haryana.

Assembly polls 2024: Election Commission revises voting day for Haryana from October 1 to October 5; results for J&K, Haryana on October 8

The Election Commission revised Haryana's polling date from October 1 to October 5 to honor the Bishnoi community's Asoj Amavasya festival. Counting for Haryana and J&K elections will now be on October 8. The decision has received mixed reactions, with BJP welcoming it and Congress criticizing it.