EC bans exit polls

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 16

In view of the Dakha byelections, the Election Commission has banned exit polls from October 19 to October 21. The byelection for Dakha constituency is scheduled on October 21.

Disclosing this here today, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal said, “Under provisions of Section 126 A of the Representations of the Peoples Act, 1951, exit polls cannot be conducted and publicised by means of print and electronic media or dissemination in any other manner from 6.30 pm on October 19 till 6:30 pm on October 21.”

Clarifying further, he said display of any election matter, including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey in any electronic media, was prohibited during the period 48 hours.

11 alternative ID proofs valid for casting vote

Voters would be able to cast their vote with 11 alternative identity proofs during the upcoming Dakha byelections.

District Election Officer Pradeep Kumar Agrawal stated that those not having the elector’s photo identity card (EPIC, also called voter ID card) can exercise their franchise using alternative documents, including Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, service ID cards (with photograph) issued by the Central or state governments or public sector undertakings, bank or post office passbooks with photographs, PAN card, MGNREGA job card, smart cards issued under the scheme of Labour Department, health insurance smart card, pension documents and identity proof issued to MP/MLA. The Dakha byelections is scheduled for October 21.