The Election Commission has advised all print and electronic media not to publicize exit polls in disguise of opinion polls.

In letters to heads of all television channels and print media, the Commission asked them to maintain a level playing field and ensure free and fair elections.

It observed that some news channels broadcast opinion polls on 14th of this month which for all practical purposes were exit polls .

The opinion polls also included results in respect of various polls held recently in 111 parliamentary constituencies which amounted to dissemination of exit polls results. The poll body viewed the telecast and publication of opinion polls as a violation of the Representation of Peoples Act.