Archive · 7 Nov 2025
ECI Bans Exit and Opinion Polls for Mizoram, Bihar, and Eight Other States
Imagine there's a big contest, like a school election.
The people in charge of making sure the election is fair have said that no one can share guesses about who will win, or what people think about the candidates, just before and while everyone is voting.
This is to stop people from being influenced by these guesses and to make sure everyone can make their own choice.
This rule applies to many elections happening around the country, including some in Mizoram and Bihar.
They can't share these guesses on TV, online, or anywhere else during this special time.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has banned exit and opinion polls for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections in eight other states.
The ban includes the Dampa Assembly constituency in Mizoram.
The prohibition covers the collection, broadcast, and publication of any such polls.
This restriction is in effect from 7 am on Thursday until 6:30 pm on Tuesday, the day of polling.
The ECI also cited a pre-existing ban on publishing results 48 hours before polling closes.
- Who
- The Election Commission of India (ECI)
- What
- Prohibited the conduct and publication of exit and opinion polls.
- When
- From 7 am on Thursday until 6:30 pm on Tuesday, and for 48 hours before polling closes.
- Where
- In connection with the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections in eight States, including the Dampa Assembly constituency in Mizoram.
- Why
- To ensure fair elections and prevent undue influence on voters.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
General Public/Media
Publication of Exit/Opinion Polls
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The ECI has prohibited the conduct and publication of exit and opinion polls to ensure fair elections.
General Public/Media
The public and media have traditionally had access to opinion and exit polls during election periods.
Restricted Period for Polls
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The ECI has set specific dates and times for the ban, from Thursday 7 am to Tuesday 6:30 pm, and also 48 hours before polling closes.
General Public/Media
This restriction limits the information available to voters close to and during the polling process.
- Affected Elections
- Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections in eight States, including Dampa Assembly constituency in Mizoram.
- Prohibited Actions
- Conduct and publication of exit and opinion polls.
- Legal Basis
- Section 126A and Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Duration of Ban (Initial)
- From 7 am on Thursday until 6:30 pm on Tuesday.
- Duration of Ban (Additional)
- A period of 48 hours before the close of polling.
- Affected Media
- Print, electronic, digital media, newspapers, television, radio, online platforms, and social media channels.