‘Let the new regime settle pollster question’

By Navin Chawla
Former Chief Election Commissioner

The Election Commission of India had called a meeting of all political parties on 6 April 2004 to gather views of these parties on the issue of opinion polls. Most of the parties were of the view that once the date of elections is notified, the opinion polls should not be allowed. The view was expressed as it was felt that in a multi phased election when polling is held on different dates it could have an impact on the outcome of polls.

Recently the Election Commission again sought the opinion of political parties on the issue of opinion polls, to which 15 parties responded. All the parties, except the BJP, were of the view that opinion polls should be banned.

Most political parties stated that in India opinion polls do not adhere to rules of transparency. Set standards that are followed in countries like the UK and the US are not followed in the country. There is a lack of transparency in opinion polls being conducted in the country, the reader or viewer is not made aware of the important facts like what is the sample size of the opinion poll, geographical location, rural or urban voters or what is the age of the voters being surveyed under the poll.

The EC has submitted a proposal to the government, being considered by the Union law ministry, on the requirement of an amendment to the Representation of People’s Act 1951 to deal with the issue. The proposal is still pending with the government and it will be up to the new government, to be sworn in after May 16, to take a call on the issue.

The present situation is that there is no ban on opinion polls except in the last 48 hours before polling. There are some restriction on opinion polls being broadcast on television only. There is no such restriction on the print media.