*”Election Commissioner Slams Exit Polls: Calls for Transparency and Accountability”*

*”Election Commissioner Slams Exit Polls: Calls for Transparency and Accountability”*

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has slammed TV media outlets for their handling of exit polls and election results, citing major distortions and the need for self-introspection  Kumar emphasized that the mismatch between exit poll expectations and actual results can lead to serious issues, including frustration among voters. He questioned the credibility of exit polls, highlighting the recent Haryana assembly elections where most exit polls predicted a clear win for Congress, but the BJP secured a historic third term

Kumar explained that the Election Commission follows a rigorous process for counting and declaring results. He noted that actual counting starts at 8:30 am, but media outlets often report trends as early as 8:05 am, which is “nonsense” ¹. The first results of Round 1 cannot be revealed before 9:05 am, and the EC updates its website with official results around 9:30 am. Kumar criticized media outlets for prematurely announcing results, suggesting they prioritize validating exit polls over accurate reporting

The CEC stressed that exit polls create unrealistic expectations among voters, leading to disappointment and frustration when actual results differ. He urged media outlets to introspect and understand their responsibilities in reporting election results accurately  Kumar also emphasized the need for transparency regarding sample sizes, survey methodologies, and potential biases in exit polls

The issue of exit polls has sparked debate, with some arguing they influence voter behavior and create unrealistic expectations. The Election Commission’s concerns highlight the importance of responsible reporting and accurate information dissemination during elections