The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Exit poll results

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Wednesday, Apr 28, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Exit poll results

Sir, — It is difficult to accept the argument that a delay in publishing exit poll results is a serious breach of freedom of speech or right to information. Exit polls certainly do not serve a larger cause. They merely satisfy our curiosity. Nor are exit poll results accurate.

P. Sriram,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — Exit polls are welcome if the election is conducted in one go. When the process is done in phases, the results of exit polls after one phase of elections have the potential of influencing the voters in subsequent phases.

N.G. Varadan,
Tirupati, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — The variety and variations in poll predictions show how chancy they are. The techniques used are, no doubt, sound. But the parameters are not standardised.

The real concern is not so much whether or not to publish the surveys, as to amend and hone the electoral process itself.

R.K. Divakara,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — I refer to the reported statement of the BJP leader, Venkaiah Naidu, that the Congress might have influenced exit poll agencies. Not only the BJP, but all the political parties are indulging in such tricks. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the exit poll results favoured the Congress, and the BJP had no option other than to accuse the Congress. Exit polls should be banned and no results should be published till May 13. The media should be restrained from publishing exit poll results.

P. Sankaranarayanan,
Kochi

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