Several organizations have published exit polls related to Gujarat, Delhi MCD, and Himachal Pradesh election results.
In India, publishing results of exit polls for a particular election are not allowed till the last vote has been cast.
Exit polls generate a lot of curiosity and sometimes predict election results most accurately.
An exit poll asks voters which political party they are supporting after they have cast their votes in an election.
It differs from an opinion poll, which is held before the elections.
An exit poll is expected to reflect which political party has an edge in the election, along with the issues, personalities, and loyalties that have influenced voters.
Critics also say that the results gathered in exit polls can be influenced by the choice, wording and timing of the questions, and by the nature of the sample drawn.
Political parties often allege that these polls are motivated, or financed by a rival party.
In 2004, the Election Commission approached the Law Ministry seeking an amendment to the Representation of the People Act to provide for a ban on both exit and opinion polls during a period specified by the Commission.
In February 2010, restrictions were imposed only on exit polls through the introduction of Section 126(A) in the RPA.
In 2013, the EC held consultations with political parties to revive its demand to restrict pre-election opinion polls as well from the date of notification of elections until the end of polling.
The suggestion was sent to the Law Ministry, but no action has been taken on it so far.
Currently, exit polls can’t be published till the last phase of voting concludes.
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