EC Criticizes 'Huge Distortion' in Exit Polls, Questions Early Trends on Counting Day

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has criticized exit polls for creating a "huge distortion" in public expectations, urging media and pollsters to engage in self-regulation. He also questioned the accuracy of early trends shown on TV channels during vote counting, which often conflict with final results.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed serious concerns over the distortion caused by exit polls, calling for self-regulation and introspection among pollsters and media.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Kumar highlighted how exit polls often set unrealistic expectations that do not align with the final results, leading to frustration and confusion among the public.

Kumar emphasized the need for transparency in exit polls, questioning factors such as sample size, survey location, and the responsibility of pollsters when results deviate from projections. He stressed the importance of introspection by the media, especially electronic channels, in how they report exit poll data.

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While the Election Commission does not regulate exit polls, Kumar called on governing bodies to enforce self-regulation in this area.