No exit polls for General Election 2024?

Built into the ECP’s code of conduct for national media, the ban comes as part of the authorities’ efforts to empower voters to make choices based on their own convictions, free of external pressures or coercion.

By Nusrat Shaheen

ISLAMABAD: The election buzz is building up with competing media houses scrambling to jazz up their coverage of General Election 2024. But while there is no limit to how creative they may be in this battle for eyeballs, no media outlet will run any entrance or exit polls this general election.

That, at least, is the intent of the code of conduct for national media issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan for General Election 2024, with a view to fostering a clean and fair electoral process through ethical and responsible media coverage during the upcoming elections. The code emphasises responsible journalism, upholding national unity, and respecting the democratic process.

“Print & Electronic media and any journalist, newspaper, and channel on their official accounts on digital media, and other social media influencers shall refrain from entrance and exit polls or conducting any kind of surveys at any polling station or constituency which may influence the voters’ free choice of casting vote or hinder the process in any way”, says article 12 of the code, available at the ECP website for download.

Article 7 of the code obligates the government and law enforcing agencies to “provide due protection to media persons, and media houses to maintain their freedom of expression as their fundamental right.”

The code acknowledges the media’s vital role in informing the public and promoting free expression, while emphasising the need for responsible journalism and adherence to ethical principles during the sensitive election period.

This code aims to create a conducive environment for fair and peaceful elections, ensuring that the Pakistani people can exercise their democratic right to vote freely and confidently.

Article 9 of the code requires all media houses to run inclusive “Civic and Voter Education programs”, especially focusing on marginalised groups such as women, transgender, youth, minorities, and differently abled persons to maximise voter turnout and ensure their participation in electoral process.

The ECP reserves the right to withdraw accreditation or take other appropriate action against any media organisations or persons found in violation of the code.

The code aims to create a level playing field for all candidates and ensure responsible media coverage throughout the election cycle.

By promoting ethical conduct, fairness, and transparency, the ECP hopes to foster a climate of trust and inclusivity, encouraging active citizen participation in the democratic process.

The release of the code is a positive step towards ensuring credible and transparent elections in Pakistan. The media’s commitment to upholding these guidelines will play a crucial role in shaping a peaceful and democratic future for the nation.

The purported ban on exit polls has likely arisen out of an array of constructive consideration on the part of ECP. It can be argued that by prohibiting polls, the ECP aims to safeguard voters from potential influence or coercion.

In theory, this could foster a more independent decision-making process, free from external pressures. Exit polls, especially those publicised during voting hours, could create a bandwagon effect, encouraging voters to align with perceived frontrunners. Banning exit polls might reduce this influence and encourage voters to make choices based on their own convictions.

Entrance polls conducted before or during voting hours are often based on limited data and can potentially misinform voters about the electoral landscape. Banning entrance polls could reduce the spread of misleading information.

The ECP emphasises the importance of maintaining an impartial environment during the voting process. Banning entrance and exit polls could help prevent any organised attempts to manipulate voter behaviour or create perceptions of bias.

On the flip side, some may argue that entrance and exit polls provide valuable insights into voter sentiment and potential outcomes, and frame it as part of the public’s right to information. Banning them could therefore be perceived as limiting this freedom.

Another argument against the ban may be based on the need for maintaining transparency. Entrance and exit polls can serve as a tool to detect potential irregularities or discrepancies in the voting process. Prohibiting them might hinder this aspect of transparency.

Some may even argue that the ban tends to limit the media’s role in the electoral process. There is no denying that the media plays a crucial role in informing the public about elections. Banning polls could restrict their ability to provide comprehensive coverage and analysis.

The ECP’s decision highlights a delicate balance between protecting voter autonomy, maintaining election integrity, and upholding freedom of information.

It’s essential to continuously evaluate the impact of such measures and ensure they align with democratic principles and the public’s right to information.