The Pre-Election Polls predictions primarily reflect the people’s preference towards a particular political party. These polls are conducted taking a sample of people and hence, cannot be considered to be representing the ideal position a candidate holds. The polls can provide general forecasts of who might be the winner? But, there can always be a slip between the cup and the lip. The predictions might be true or can be proved totally opposite, once the actual election results are announced. The predictions of elections are always surrounded by controversies. It is often observed that pre-election polls have influenced the voter and eliminated the choice of voting.
Controversies with Pre-Election Poll Prediction:
Election prediction is going on for years together, and the scandals associated with them do not make this technique loosen its essence. The initiator of the controversy is the faith that the publications and broadcast media have the potential of influencing the people to a great extent. The survey results of the pre-election polls and exit polls on Election Day immensely alternate the decision of the public. Either the voter changes the preference of candidate or losses interest in casting the ballot. These observations by the political parties have led to the restrictions, in the manner the surveys are held and reported in various forms of media. Several states have limited the usage of exit polls and the media especially television networks are regulated with reference to their coverage on exit polls. The drastic step of restricting the predictions is due to the fact that indicates pre-election polls does affect the voter’s choice. It is very simple, the surveyors and the research gathered during pre-election is a reflection of voters preference during the time of elections. The results are therefore considered to be indicators rather than predictions of outcome of an election.
Overview:
Pre-election poll prediction is one of the methods to understand the polling scenario. On a larger context, it is seen that media channels often provides other stimulators that can alter the choice of the voter. The media coverage includes the statements of expertise who predicts the elections, observations of historical trends and several numerologists forecasting the elections. If voters are likely to be influenced by the expressions of knowledgable individuals, then the similar effect on voter can be seen as in case of pre-poll election surveys. Thus, complete understanding is essential about the different stimulators effecting the election predictions of a candidate.
