Media's election surveys draw ECP’s ire

The country’s polls oversight authority has taken notice of the violation of its election code of conduct by some media houses and directed the media regulator to take action against them.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has written a letter to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) highlighting that some media houses have violated Clause 12 of the media's election code of conduct by carrying out polls and surveys of various constituencies.

The ECP on October 13 issued separate codes of conduct for various stakeholders—national observers, national media, international observers and media as well as political parties, contesting candidates and election agents—in connection with the upcoming general elections.

Clause 12 of the Code of Conduct for National Media says that print and electronic media—including all journalists, newspapers, channels as well as social media influencers— shall refrain from holding entrance and exit polls on their official accounts on social media.

“[They are also barred from] conducting any kind of surveys at any polling station or constituency which may influence the voters’ free choice of casting votes or hinder the process in any way,” it said.

The letter directs the PEMRA chairman to take prompt and immediate action against the electronic media channels in strict alignment with Clause 12 of the Code of Conduct for National Media.

Read also: ECP issues guidelines for poll observation, media coverage

“A compliance report in this regard be also shared with the office as soon as possible for placing it before the Election Commission [of Pakistan],” it stated.

An exit poll is a survey conducted with voters right after they have cast their votes in an election. It aims to understand how people voted and to predict the outcome of the election before the official results are announced.

An entrance poll is similar to an exit poll but differs in its timing. Instead of surveying voters after they cast their votes, entrance polls are conducted with voters as they enter the polling station or voting area to vote.

Another type of election surveys are pre-election surveys which are conducted in the lead-up to an election. These polls assess voters' opinions, intentions, and preferences regarding candidates, issues, and political parties.

Opinion polls are another way to gauge public opinion on various political issues, government performance, or political leaders, without necessarily being directly tied to an election.

Election surveys can influence the perception of the electorate, media coverage, and even political strategies during a campaign. However, their direct impact on the election outcome is debatable and can vary based on several factors

Installation of cameras

Meanwhile, the Provincial Election Commission of Punjab has decided to get closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) installed at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations across Punjab in order to ensure peaceful and transparent arrangements for the 2024 elections.

Punjab Inspector General Police (IGP) Dr Inam Ghani has issued orders to additional IGs, regional, city, and district police officers to implement the election commissioner’s order.

(With input from Saleh Mughal in Rawalpindi)