Fact Check: ECP has not banned political surveys & opinion polls

THE CLAIM:

An X account, formerly Twitter, South Asia Index, has claimed that “Pakistan Election body has imposed a ban on political surveys & opinion polls just ahead of general elections scheduled on 8th February”.

THE FACT:

According to a notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), only the electronic and print media have been barred from conducting and then publishing the findings of such surveys.

This is not a new rule, either. Clause 12 of ECP’s Code of Conduct for national media states that such surveys can influence the opinion of the voters and may compromise their free choice.

It also stands to reason that any poll or survey conducted without defining the sample size and proper metrics to ensure fair representation of all stakeholders involved would not offer an accurate answer to the questions posed in the polls or survey.

Furthermore, TV channels are also known to publish polls results and surveys from social media, that define no such parameters for a study.

That said, no research body or surveyors, such as Gallup Pakistan, have been barred from conducting research or surveys.

THE STORY:

On Tuesday, South Asia Index’s X page published a claim that the ECP has imposed a ban on political surveys and opinion polls ahead of elections.

Soon after the social media users started sharing and commenting on the post, causing a wave of criticism against the electoral body and terming the move to be against the true spirit of democracy.

THE SPREAD:

The post has garnered a variety of reactions. Examples of the comments and quotes can be seen here, here, here, here, here and here.

THE VERDICT:

It can be clearly seen in the notification that the ban has only been communicated to PEMRA and is only applicable on TV channels and newspapers. There is no mention whatsoever of any ban on the surveys or polls themselves.

The claim by South Asia Index can safely be categorised as false.