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The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:
In view of recent public and media concern on the conduct of exit polls, the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) issued the following statement today (September 2):
"The EAC attaches great importance to ensuring that all public elections are held in an open, fair and honest manner. The EAC will closely monitor the election on polling day.
"The EAC reminds the media and any organisation concerned that in conducting exit polls, they should not announce the results of exit polls or make specific remarks or predictions on the performance of an individual candidate or a geographical constituency list before the close of poll as this may affect elector behaviour and have an impact on election results.
"If a person or an organisation who/which is given approval to conduct exit polls fails to comply with the terms of the Undertaking for Conduct of Exit Poll and the guidelines on exit polls set out in the Guidelines on Election-related Activities in respect of the Legislative Council Election, the approval to conduct exit polls on polling day or during polling hours may be revoked.
"The EAC may also make a reprimand or censure in a public statement which will include the name of the person, the broadcaster or the organisation concerned if it comes to know that any person, broadcaster or organisation has failed to heed or comply with the guidelines on exit polls.
"In view of the secrecy of the ballot and that electors have the right to keep their vote secret, the EAC reminds those who conduct exit polls that they must respect the electors' right and wish not to be disturbed."
Ends/Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:44
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