In an effort to ensure free and fair poll which are generally spread over several phases, Government on Wednesday decided to restrict publication of exit polls till the final phase of voting in an election.
A meeting of the Union Cabinet gave its approval to the proposal to restrict publication of exit polls till the last poll in an election is over, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters in New Delhi.
The meeting gave its nod to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for this purpose.
“Restriction on telecasting of exit polls would enable the voters to exercise their right to vote without being influenced by the projection of telecast after one phase of voting is over and other phases are yet to be completed,” he said.
The move comes ahead of crucial assembly polls in six states and the Lok Sabha elections early next year.