|
total countries/territories: 223
|
|---|
| Country/Territory |
Answers |
Comments |
Verified |
|
Afghanistan
|
b. 2-3 days
|
The electoral campaign shall end 48 hours before the Election Day.
Source:
Afghan Regulation on Media Activites During Elections, art. 9: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/AF/afghanistan-regulation-on-media-activities-during/view (2014).
http://www.afghanembassy.com.pl/afg/images/pliki/TheConstitution.pdf
|
2019/09/24
|
|
Albania
|
c. 4-5 days
|
Electoral code: Art. 78: 3. The results of electoral polls may not be made public during the last 5 days before the election date and on the election date until the closing of the polls.y.
Source:
The Electoral Code of the Republic of Albania, 2 April 2015, art. 78, 3.
|
2017/05/19
|
|
Algeria
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Publication and dissemination of surveys on voting intentions and opinion polls are prohibited 3 days (72 hours) before the election day.
Source:
Electoral law (Loi organique n° 12-01 du 18 Safar 1433 correspondant au 12 janvier 2012 relative au régime électoral), art. 194: http://www.parliament.am/library/norelectoral%20law/aljir.pdf (2017)
NDI Final Report on Algeria's Legislative Elections May 10 2012 https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/Algeria-Report-Leg-Elections-ENG.pdf (2017)
https://www.joradp.dz/hfr/consti.htm
|
2019/09/25
|
|
American Samoa
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Information collected at PIANZEA workshop in December 2006.
|
2017/08/18
|
|
Andorra
|
a. 1 day
|
Source:
Electoral law: 28/2007 - "Llei qualificada del règim electoral i del referèndum": https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/AD/andorra-electoral-law-2007/
|
2023/06/09
|
|
Angola
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law n.º 36/11 of 21 December 2011 regulating General Elections, art. 78: http://www.tribunalconstitucional.ao/uploads/%7Bc46fa0b3-c947-4440-ae92-5f1a3a275d8a%7D.pdf (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Antigua and Barbuda
|
h. Not applicable
|
|
2009/08/20
|
|
Argentina
|
e. 8-9 days
|
No means of communication, be they audiovisual, broadcasting, graphics, internet, or other are to be broadcasted 8 days before the general election. Results of surveys, opinion polls, or election projections may be published.
Source:
Law for Financing Political Parties: “Ley de Financiamiento de los partidos políticos — Ley 26215”, art. 44 quáter: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/AR/argentina-ley-26215-financiamiento-pp-pp-2019/ (2019)
|
2021/12/26
|
|
Armenia
|
a. 1 day
|
Radio or television companies performing terrestrial broadcasting shall be prohibited to publish, at any time prior to 20:00 hours of the voting day, findings of any opinion polls of voters as to whom they have voted for.
Source:
Electoral Code of 26 May 2011, art. 21 (3): http://res.elections.am/images/doc/_ecode.pdf (2013).
|
2015/12/01
|
|
Aruba
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Mr. Hubert Maduro, President, Electoral Council of Aruba
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Australia
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Under Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, there is an election advertising blackout on all electronic media from the end of the Wednesday before polling day to the end of polling on the Saturday. This three-day blackout effectively provides a ‘cooling off’ period in the lead up to polling day, during which political parties, candidates and others are no longer able to purchase time on television and radio to broadcast political advertising.
The electronic media blackout provisions and other provisions relating to the broadcasting of ‘political matter’ are administered by ACMA.
Source:
https://www.aec.gov.au/About_AEC/Publications/backgrounders/authorisation.htm
|
2024/09/09
|
|
Austria
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Federal Act on the Functions, Financing and Election Campaigning of
Political Parties (1975)
|
2012/05/29
|
|
Azerbaijan
|
a. 1 day
|
Results of a public opinion survey and forecasts of election results shall not be allowed to be published in the mass media in the 24 hours before Election Day.
Source:
Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan including 2024 amendments, article 76.2: https://msk.gov.az/uploads/qanunvericilik/Election-Code-2024.pdf
|
2024/11/12
|
|
Bahamas
|
g. No information available
|
|
2017/03/27
|
|
Bahrain
|
h. Not applicable
|
There are no specific legal provisions regulating the blackout period.
All electoral campaigning activities across the Kingdom must cease 24 hours before the scheduled start of the voting process.
Source:
The Shura and Representatives Councils Law, art. 27: https://regulations-references-laws-s3-bucket.s3.me-south-1.amazonaws.com/public/_pdf-1705188185067.pdf
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Bangladesh
|
g. No information available
|
|
2009/08/21
|
|
Barbados
|
g. No information available
|
|
2009/08/21
|
|
Belarus
|
c. 4-5 days
|
Within the last five days prior to the elections it is not allowed to publish the results of public polls related to the elections, referendum, forecasts of their results.
Source:
Electoral Code: "Electoral Code of the Republic of Belarus”, art. 46: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/BY/belarus-electoral-code-2023-english/
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Belgium
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Stéphan de Mul, Attaché - Service législation, Service Public Fédéral Intérieur
|
2019/04/25
|
|
Belize
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law: “Representation of the People Act, Chapter 9”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BZ/belize-representation-of-the-people-act-2020/
|
2025/03/24
|
|
Benin
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Decision n° 11-010/HAAC of 1 February 2011 by the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication, regulating the electoral campaign for the 2011 presidential elections: http://levenementprecis.com/?p=5526 (2016)
|
2019/04/05
|
|
Bermuda
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Randy Scott, Parliamentary Registry
|
2012/05/31
|
|
Bhutan
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Article 271: The allocation of equitable time in respect of an election shall be made after the publication of list of contesting candidates for the election and be valid till forty-eight hours prior to the hour fixed for the commencement of poll for an election
Article 4.2: The period of broadcast and publication of permissible election campaign activities may start on the last date of submission of Letter of Intent or filing the nominations and shall end 48 hours before the date of poll.
Article 5.13: The Media shall be prohibited from covering any activity by Political Parties and Candidates during the period between closure of campaigning and the closure of poll.
Source:
Elections Act of Bhutan (2008), Chapter 14, Article 271: https://www.ecb.bt/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ElectionActEnglish.pdf
Media Coverage of Elections Rules and Regulations of the Kingdom of Bhutan, Election Commission of Bhutan (2018), Article 4.2, 5.13: https://www.ecb.bt/Rules/Media.pdf
|
2024/08/27
|
|
Bolivia
|
d. 6-7 days
|
Pre-election opinion polls shall not be released after the Sunday before election day.
Source:
Electoral Law; “Ley del Régimen Electoral — Ley 026-2010”, art. 130 (a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/BO/bolivia-ley-026-2010-regimen-electoral-vigente/ (2019).
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina
|
b. 2-3 days
|
48 hours.
Source:
Electoral Law: Election Law of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Art. 16.10.
https://www.izbori.ba/Documents/documents/ZAKONI/BiH_Election_Law_last_consolidated_version.pdf?v-4 (2024)
|
2025/06/26
|
|
Botswana
|
h. Not applicable
|
The matter is not regulated.
Source:
Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
|
2014/10/28
|
|
Brazil
|
h. Not applicable
|
Art. 33.
§ 5º It is prohibited, during the election campaign period, to conduct surveys related to the electoral process.
Article 35-A.
The publication of electoral polls by any means of communication is prohibited from the fifteenth day prior to the election until 6:00 PM on election day.
Electoral Code:
Article 255.
In the 15 (fifteen) days prior to the election, the disclosure, in any form, of results from preliminary or pre-election tests is prohibited.
Source:
Elections Law – Law No. 9,504, of September 30, 1997, Article 33 (5), 35-A:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/lei-das-eleicoes/lei-das-eleicoes-lei-nb0-9.504-de-30-de-setembro-de-1997
Electoral Code - Law No. 4,737, of July 15, 1965, Article 255:
https://www.tse.jus.br/legislacao/codigo-eleitoral/codigo-eleitoral-1/codigo-eleitoral-lei-nb0-4.737-de-15-de-julho-de-1965
|
2024/10/21
|
|
Brunei Darussalam
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html (2013);
Freedom House Report 2012: http://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2012/brunei (2013)
|
2013/03/18
|
|
Bulgaria
|
a. 1 day
|
Results of public opinion polls in connection with the elections may not be
made public in any form whatsoever during a period commencing 24 hours in advance of polling day and ending upon the declaration of the closing of the polls within the territory of Bulgaria.
Source:
Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 205 (5)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
|
2014/10/02
|
|
Burkina Faso
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Code as amended in 2015: http://www.ceni.bf/sites/default/files/Code_électoral_BF-Version_21.05.2015.pdf (2015)
|
2015/12/04
|
|
Burma (Myanmar)
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
The Pyithu Hluttaw Election Law: http://www.altsean.org/Research/2010/Resources/Laws/Pyithu%20Hluttaw%20Election%20Law.pdf (2013);
The Political Parties Registration Law No. 2 /2010 with the 2011 amendments: http://www.altsean.org/Research/2010/Resources/Laws/Political%20Parties%20Registration%20Law.pdf (2013);
Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma, Election Summary Report of Burma Parliamentary & Local Assembly Elections held in November 2010: http://www.tourismtransparency.org/sites/default/files/reports/An%20Election%20of%20Generals.pdf(2013).
|
2015/11/17
|
|
Burundi
|
b. 2-3 days
|
The Electoral Code does not contain any specific provision in this regard. There is only a general provision, according to which the campaign period ends 48 hours before the polling day and no electoral propaganda is permitted after that period.
Source:
Electoral Code, art. 25: https://courconstitutionnelle.gov.bi/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Code-Electoral_30092024095027.pdf
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Cambodia
|
c. 4-5 days
|
All opinion polls and the publication of their results related to the electoral process shall cease seven (7) days before polling day and on polling day.
Source:
Law on the Election of the Members of the National Assembly, art. 72: http://ngocedaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tmp_11849-Draft-of-LEMNA-by-CNRP-CPP_March_08_2015132491924.pdf
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Cameroon
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/08/10
|
|
Canada
|
a. 1 day
|
No person shall transmit to the public, in an electoral district on polling day before the close of all of the polling stations in that electoral district, the results of an election survey that have not previously been transmitted to the public.
Source:
The Canada Elections Act, Clause 328
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/E-2.01.pdf
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Cape Verde
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Sixty days prior to elections.
Source:
Electoral Law as amended by Law No 56/VII/2010, art. 105 (2-a): http://www.parlamento.cv/userfiles/image/site/Leis/Altera%20o%20C%C3%B3digo%20Eleitoral%20-%20texto%20integrante.pdf (2016)
|
2016/05/04
|
|
Cayman Islands
|
h. Not applicable
|
No statistical information that could exert an influence upon or affect an election can be published at all.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Elections Act (2021 Revision)”, Part VII: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/KY/cayman-islands-elections-act-2021-revision/ ;
|
2021/12/13
|
|
Central African Republic
|
b. 2-3 days
|
The election campaign period starts on the fourteenth (14th) day before the election and ends on Friday at midnight before the polling day. Any electoral propaganda is prohibited after that period.
Source:
Electoral Law N° 09.016, Art. 54: http://ddata.over-blog.com/1/35/48/78/Centrafrique/CODE_ELECTORAL-RCA-2-octobre-2010.pdf (2016)
|
2021/04/19
|
|
Chad
|
a. 1 day
|
The Electoral Law contains only a general provision according to which the electoral campaign period ends 24 hours before the election day.
Source:
Electoral Law N° 003/PR/2008 amended by law n° 008/PR/2009, law n° 007/PR/2010 and law n° 020/PR/2010, art. 113: http://publicofficialsfinancialdisclosure.worldbank.org/sites/fdl/files/assets/law-library-files/Chad_Electoral%20code_2009_fr.pdf (2016)
|
2019/04/23
|
|
Chile
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Results of the opinion polls may not be published within 15 days prior to the Election Day.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Constitucional sobre Votaciones Populares y Escrutinios (2016)”, art. 32ter:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CL/chile-ley-sobre-votaciones-populares-y-escrutinios/
|
2025/03/25
|
|
China
|
g. No information available
|
No specific information is available regarding the results of pre-election polls. The law only stipulates the following:
The election committee or the presidium of the people's congress shall brief voters or deputies on the candidates for deputies. Political parties, people's organizations, voters and deputies that have nominated candidates for deputies may brief voters on those candidates at group meetings of voters or deputies. However, such briefings must stop on the day of election.
Source:
Electoral Law, Art. 33
|
2012/06/04
|
|
Cocos (keeling) Islands
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Clause 3A of Schedule 2 to the Broadcasting Services Act requires that a broadcaster must not broadcast an election advertisement from the end of the Wednesday before polling day until the close of the poll on polling day, where an election is to be held in an area which relates to a licence area, or an area where a broadcast can normally be received. This only applies for elections to a Parliament.
The election advertising blackout applies to broadcasters, including:
commercial television broadcasting licensees
commercial radio broadcasting licensees
community broadcasting licensees
subscription television broadcasting licensees
providers of broadcasting services under class licences.
The election advertising blackout only applies to broadcasters. It does not include online services and print media.
Source:
https://www.acma.gov.au/Industry/Broadcast/Television/TV-content-regulation/political-matter-tv-content-regulation-i-acma
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Colombia
|
a. 1 day
|
Results of exit-polls shall not be published on the day of elections.
Source:
Law 130 of 1994, art. 30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-ley-130-de-1994/ (1994).
Resolution of the National Electoral Council No. 23 of 7/03/1996, art. 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CO/colombia-resolucion-23-de-1996-sobre-realizacion-y/ (1996).
|
2024/12/13
|
|
Comoros
|
g. No information available
|
There is no specific legal provision in this regard.
Source:
Law No 10-018/AU Amending certain provisions of the Electoral Act No. 07-001/AU of 14 January 2007, art. 65, 66 (1)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/KM/comores-electoral-law-2010/view (2016)
|
2016/04/12
|
|
Congo (Brazzaville)
|
b. 2-3 days
|
The electoral campaign period starts fifteen days before the election date and ends two days before the election date, at midnight. Any act of electoral propaganda outside the electoral campaign period is illegal.
Source:
Election law of 24 November 2001, Art. 25, 129: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/CG/congo-brazzaville-electoral-law-2001/view (2017)
|
2017/03/29
|
|
Congo (Kinshasa), Democratic Republic of the
|
b. 2-3 days
|
There is no specific legal provision in this regard. However, the law specifies that the electoral campaign period ends 24 hours before the election day and any act of electoral propaganda outside the period of the electoral campaign is prohibited.
Source:
Directive No. CSAC/AP/0002/2011 du 28 Septembre 2011 du Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel et de la communication (CSAC)
|
2016/11/29
|
|
Cook Islands
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Teokoati Joseph, Chief Probation Officer, Probation Service - Ministry of Justice
|
2012/06/05
|
|
Costa Rica
|
b. 2-3 days
|
The day of the election and the two days before that.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley 8765: Código Electoral”, art. 138: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CR/costa-rica-ley-8765-codigo-electoral-2018.pdf/
|
2018/01/24
|
|
Croatia
|
g. No information available
|
|
2020/07/06
|
|
Cuba
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley No. 127, Ley Electoral”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/CU/cuba-ley-electoral-127-2019-ace/
|
2023/09/12
|
|
Cyprus
|
d. 6-7 days
|
46 .- (1) The broadcasting or broadcasting by the television or radio organizations of the results of any election-related polls shall be prohibited seven days prior to any election.
34 (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), it is forbidden to broadcast political advertising fifty-five hours prior to the start of voting on the day of the presidential or parliamentary elections or European Parliament elections, as the case may be.
Source:
Electoral Law 72 of 1979 as amended, Art. 63A (1);
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CY/cyprus-electoral-law-72-1979-greek-version/ (2016);
Law 7(I)/1998 Regulating Radio and Television Stations (Greek Version), Art. 46(1):
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html (2016);
The Broadcasting and Broadcasting Laws of 1998 (7 (I) / 1998) Art. 34 (3)
http://www.cylaw.org/nomoi/enop/non-ind/1998_1_7/full.html
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Cyprus (North)
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/06/07
|
|
Czech Republic
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Article 16: (5) In the course of the last fortyeight hours prior to the opening of elections and on the election days, any campaigning and canvassing in favour of Political Parties, coalitions and candidates shall be prohibited; in buildings in which ward election boards have their headquarters, and in their immediate vicinity, no facts that
may cause prejudice of a Political Party, coalition or candidate shall be made public whether in words, writing, or in the form of a sound or picture. Election forecasts
resulting from public-opinion polls shall not be published after the seventh day preceding the day of the elections.
Source:
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 16(5).
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
|
2023/09/18
|
|
Côte d'Ivoire
|
g. No information available
|
|
2016/12/01
|
|
Denmark
|
h. Not applicable
|
The conduct and publication of opinion polls are not regulated by law. Consequently, such polls can be carried out and published right up to (or even on) election day.
Source:
The Parliamentary Electoral System in Denmark, Section 3.5, pg. 21.
https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/~/media/pdf/publikationer/english/the-parliamentary-system-of-denmark_2011.ashx
|
2019/05/27
|
|
Djibouti
|
g. No information available
|
There is no specific legal provision in this regard.
Source:
Electoral Law n° 1/ AN /92 regulating elections, as amended by Organic Law n ° L 11/AN/02/4, art. 60:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/DJ/djibouti-loi-electorale-avec-modifications-2002/view
|
2018/04/02
|
|
Dominican Republic
|
e. 8-9 days
|
Pre-election opinion polls are not regulated in the Electoral Law.
Source:
Ley Electoral “Ley Orgánica de Régimen Electoral No. 15-19, art. 201 http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/DO/republica-dominicana-ley-organica-de-regimen/ (2019)
|
2020/02/05
|
|
Ecuador
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Ten days prior to the election.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica Electoral y de Organizaciones Políticas de la República del Ecuador, Código de la Democracia”, art. 206, 282: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/EC/ecuador-codigo-democracia-2023/
|
2025/03/13
|
|
Egypt
|
c. 4-5 days
|
All media outlets are prohibited from publishing or broadcasting any poll during the five days prior to the day fixed for the conduct of the election or referendum; until the end of the voting process.
Source:
Decree of the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, by Law No. (45) of 2014, on the Issuance of Law for regulating the Exercise of Some Political Rights, art. 33: http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticles.aspx?ArtID=78396#.ViEX-vlVhHx (2014).
|
2018/04/02
|
|
El Salvador
|
f. 10 or more days
|
15 days prior to the elections and until the results are declared.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Decreto No. 413 — Código Electoral”, art. 176: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/SV/el-salvador-recopilacion-legislacion-electoral-2021/
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Eritrea
|
g. No information available
|
Based on directives that the Commission issues, all contestant candidates shall cease election campaign activities three
days before Election Day
Source:
Elections Act, Art 45
|
2011/06/22
|
|
Estonia
|
g. No information available
|
|
2015/03/03
|
|
Ethiopia
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Broadcasting Service Proclamation No 533/2007: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ET/ethiopia-broadcasting-service-proclamation-no-533/view
Electoral Law as amended by Proclamation No. 532/2007
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ET/ethiopia-proclamatio-no.-532-2007-amending-the/view
|
2015/05/18
|
|
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law: “Electoral Ordinance 1988”: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/FK/falkland-islands-electoral-ordinance-1988/ ;
|
2022/04/19
|
|
Fiji
|
d. 6-7 days
|
It shall be unlawful for any person to publish the results of any election-related opinion on the polls on any day during the 7 days prior to the polling day and on the polling day until the close of polling at all polling stations. Any person who contravenes this provision commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years, or to both.
Source:
Electoral Decree No. 11 of 2014, art. 110: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/FJ/fiji-electoral-decree-no.-11-of-2014/at_download/file (2014).
|
2018/04/20
|
|
Finland
|
h. Not applicable
|
There is no legal regulation of the media coverage of the campaign, no campaign silence period, no conditions for publishing opinion polls, and no rules concerning paid advertising in the media. In practice, however, the broadcast and print media appear to follow good practices for election coverage in the above-mentioned areas, based on self-regulation mechanisms, including a ban on publicizing opinion polls on the eve of the elections, an end to campaign coverage on election day, and respect for equal treatment of the parties in setting the conditions for paid advertising in the media.
Source:
OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS assessment mission report - Parliamentary Elections in Finland (17 April 2011): p. 15
http://www.osce.org/odihr/75599 (2012)
|
2019/04/02
|
|
France
|
a. 1 day
|
b) Results of pre-election opinion polls shall not be published one day before the elections and on the elections day.
Source:
Law No. 77-808 of 19 July 1977 on the publication of opinion polls, Art. 11
Electoral code https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichCode.do;jsessionid=9B64B63FCBA694B62F4DC7D7DCC0F066.tplgfr23s_1?cidTexte=LEGITEXT000006070239&dateTexte=20200617
|
2020/06/20
|
|
French Guiana
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Loi n°77-808 du 19 juillet 1977 relative à la publication et à la diffusion de certains sondages d'opinion
|
2007/01/14
|
|
French Polynesia
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, [email protected]
|
2007/01/19
|
|
Gabon
|
e. 8-9 days
|
8 days before the polling day
Source:
Code of Audiovisual, Cinematographic and Written Communication (Law No. 07/2001), art. 53: http://www.droit-afrique.com/images/textes/Gabon/Gabon%20-%20Code%20de%20la%20communication.pdf (2017)
|
2025/05/13
|
|
Gambia
|
h. Not applicable
|
No information found in source.
Source:
Elections Decree 78 of 1996: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/GM/gambia-elections-decree-78-of-1996/view;
Report of the Commonwealth Expert Team on the Gambia presidential election of 24 November 2011: http://aceproject.org/electoral-advice/dop?country=Gambia&organization=&year=2011&election=2&mission=&report=3&keywords= (2012)
|
2017/03/21
|
|
Georgia
|
b. 2-3 days
|
It is prohibited to publish public opinion poll results with regard to the elections, except for the possible number of voters in elections and the number of voters participating in elections on polling day, within 48 hours before polling day and until 20:00 of that day.
Source:
The Election Code of Georgia, art. 50:
https://matsne.gov.ge/en/document/view/1557168?publication=87
|
2024/07/25
|
|
Germany
|
g. No information available
|
No legal regulations about such a blackout period.
|
2025/03/11
|
|
Ghana
|
g. No information available
|
|
2016/10/05
|
|
Gibraltar
|
h. Not applicable
|
|
2019/11/04
|
|
Greece
|
f. 10 or more days
|
f) 15 days before elections
Source:
P.D. 96/2007 (Codification of the legal provisions on parliamentary elections), Art. 49:1
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7827/file/Greece_Law_election_parliament_as_of_2007_en.pdf
|
2020/07/26
|
|
Greenland
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/06/14
|
|
Guadeloupe
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Loi n°77-808 du 19 juillet 1977 relative à la publication et à la diffusion de certains sondages d'opinion
|
2007/01/14
|
|
Guam
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
https://gec.guam.gov/index.php/about-the-gec/election-laws-rules-regulations
|
2020/10/28
|
|
Guatemala
|
b. 2-3 days
|
While the Electoral Law states it to be of fifteen days, the amendments to the regulations establish it to be of 36 hours.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 223 c): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Electoral Law’s Regulations: “Reglamento de la Ley Electoral y de Partidos Políticos”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/ ;
Mass Media Regulations: “Reglamento de la Unidad Especializada sobre Medios de Comunicación y Estudios de Opinión”, art. 19: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/GT/guatemala-lepp-y-reglamentos-2023/
|
2023/05/29
|
|
Guinea
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
|
2017/01/26
|
|
Guinea-Bissau
|
a. 1 day
|
It prohibited the dissemination of results of opinion polls or surveys one day before the elections.
Source:
Electoral Law of 11 November 2009 on the election of the President of the Republic and the National People's Assembly ("Lei Eleitoral Para Presidente da República e Assembleia Nacional Popular"), art. 32: http://www.cne-guinebissau.org/phocadownload/lei_eleitoral.pdf (2012)
|
2014/06/24
|
|
Guyana
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Vishnu Persaud, Guyana Elections Commission
|
2015/05/11
|
|
Haiti
|
g. No information available
|
|
2015/04/08
|
|
Holy See (Vatican City State)
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/05/14
|
|
Honduras
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Total or partial results of the surveys and opinion polls may not be published within 30 days prior to the primary and general elections.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley Electoral de Honduras”, art. 237: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/HN/honduras-ley-electoral-2021-con-reformas-2021/
|
2025/08/07
|
|
Hong Kong
|
g. No information available
|
|
2021/06/07
|
|
Hungary
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Act XXXVI of 2013 on Electoral Procedure (last modified by Act CCVII of 2013), Section 147: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/HU/hungary-act-xxxvi-of-2013-on-electoral-procedure/view
|
2018/07/30
|
|
Iceland
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/06/20
|
|
India
|
g. No information available
|
|
2024/09/05
|
|
Indonesia
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Article 83(3): The cooling off period as referred to in paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) shall be held for 3 (three) days prior to the voting day/date.
Article 291: Any individual or survey company that announces the survey or polling results during the cooling off period shall be subject to imprisonment for a maximum of 1 year and a fine for a maximum of Rp 12,000,000.00.
Source:
Law 8/2012 on General Election of the Members of House of Representatives, People’s Representatives Council and Regional House of Representatives, Art. 83(3), 291: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/ID/indonesia-law-8-2012-on-general-election-of-the/view
|
2024/02/07
|
|
Iran, Islamic Republic of
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Presidential Electoral Law of the Islamic Republic of Iran: https://www.sssup.it/UploadDocs/4748_5_O_Iran_Electoral_Law_on_Presidential_Elections_10.pdf
Elections Act of Islamic Consultative Assembly: https://www.refworld.org/themes/custom/unhcr_rw/pdf-js/viewer.html?file=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.refworld.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Flegacy-pdf%2Fen%2F1999-11%2F4c35cba22.pdf
|
2024/11/19
|
|
Iraq
|
a. 1 day
|
The electoral campaign must stop 24 hours prior to the time of opening the polling centers.
Source:
Electoral Law of the Iraqi Parliament, Article 21: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/iraq-electoral-law-of-the-iraqi-parliament-2013/view
Regulation No. 19, Media Campaign, Section 2(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/mideast/IQ/iraq-regulation-no.-19-media-campaign-2009/view
|
2018/04/19
|
|
Ireland
|
a. 1 day
|
Source:
https://www.bai.ie/en/broadcasting-authority-of-ireland-bai-moratorium-on-general-election-coverage/
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Israel
|
g. No information available
|
|
2019/06/13
|
|
Italy
|
f. 10 or more days
|
15 days
Source:
Law of 22 February 2000, n. 28, Art. 8
|
2020/07/18
|
|
Japan
|
f. 10 or more days
|
The exact numbers of the poll cannot be announced during 12-17 days (for the Upper House election, it is 12 days and the Lower House election, it is 17 days), but media may announce the situation narratively. At municipal level elections, the period is shorter (5-9days).
Source:
Public Offices Electoral Act, Art. 138-3:
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/JP/japan-public-offices-election-act-2016
|
2019/07/09
|
|
Jordan
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
The 2012 Parliament Elections Law No. 25: http://www.entikhabat.jo/Documents/Laws/Election%20Law%20No%2025%20of%202012.pdf (2013)
|
2013/01/25
|
|
Kazakhstan
|
c. 4-5 days
|
9. Publication of the results of public opinion polls, forecasts of election results, other election-related studies, voting in support of candidates or political parties on the Internet is not allowed within five days before the Election Day and on the Election Day.
It is prohibited to conduct a poll on the Election Day in a polling station or point for voting.
Source:
Constitutional Law on Elections of the Republic of Kazakhstan as amended on June 29, 2018, art. 28: https://www.election.gov.kz/eng/election-legal-framework/the-laws-of-the-rk.php
|
2024/10/24
|
|
Kenya
|
g. No information available
|
IEBC Act
|
2017/07/07
|
|
Kiribati
|
g. No information available
|
|
2020/05/05
|
|
Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
|
g. No information available
|
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Korea, Republic of
|
d. 6-7 days
|
No one shall publish or report by quoting the details or result of a public opinion poll (including a mock voting or popularity poll; hereafter the same shall also apply in this Article) that may result in a presumption of presume in connection with an election within 6 days before the election day to the close of balloting on election day.
Source:
Public Official Election Act, Article 108: https://www.nec.go.kr/site/eng/ex/bbs/List.do?cbIdx=1280
|
2024/08/28
|
|
Kuwait
|
g. No information available
|
|
2013/01/31
|
|
Kyrgyzstan
|
c. 4-5 days
|
During the last 5 calendar days prior to the voting day, as well as on the voting day, the publication (coverage) of the results of opinion polls, forecasts of election returns and other research
related to the elections in mass media or online publications shall not be allowed.
Source:
Constitutional Law No 68 of 2011 (amended 2020) “On elections of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic and deputies of Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic”, art. 22(6): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/a1/KYRG_Const%20Laww%20on%20Elections%20of%20President%20and%20MPs.pdf
|
2025/05/07
|
|
Lao People's Democratic Republic
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Constitution/view;
Law No. 37/PO on the Election of Members of the National Assembly: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/LA/Lao-People2019s-Democratic-Republic-Law-on/view
|
2021/02/28
|
|
Latvia
|
a. 1 day
|
Section 14: It is prohibited to include the results of public opinion polls regarding popularity of political organisations, associations of political organisations or individual deputy candidates in programmes of broadcasting organisations on the election day until 10 o’clock in the evening.
Source:
Law on Pre-election Campaign Before the Saeima Elections and Elections to the European Parliament as amended on 15 January 2009, sec. 14.
|
2014/10/03
|
|
Lebanon
|
f. 10 or more days
|
4 – It is prohibited to spread, broadcast or distribute all opinion polls and comments made on them in the 10 days preceding the elections and until the closure of all ballot boxes.
Source:
Parliamentary Election, art. 79 (4): https://www.ministryinfo.gov.lb/en/22598
https://elections.gov.lb/getattachment/00bbe177-0eec-4f8a-a4df-e47c7e19b4de/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84-%28PDF%29.aspx%20(2017)
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Lesotho
|
g. No information available
|
There are no legal provisions governing opinion polls.
|
2017/07/19
|
|
Liberia
|
h. Not applicable
|
There are no specific legal provisions regulating this matter.
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
|
a. 1 day
|
The electoral campaign period shall end 24 hours prior to the time decided for opening polling centers, when all campaigning activities end. Candidates, agents and supporters are not allowed to proceed with the electoral campaign following the end of the electoral campaign.
Source:
Regulation on Electoral Campaigning for the Election of the Council of Representatives Annexed to Board of Commission Decision No. (51) 2014, Article 7: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/LY/libya-regulation-on-electoral-campaigning-for-the/view
|
2024/11/25
|
|
Liechtenstein
|
g. No information available
|
g) There are no legislative provisions in this regard.
Source:
OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Principality of Liechtenstein, Parliamentary Elections 7 February 2021, Needs Assessment Mission Report, 2020 (9)
https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/a/f/473469.pdf
|
2025/02/18
|
|
Lithuania
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Republic of Lithuania, Law on the Elections to the Seimas (9 July 1992, as last amended on 22 March 2016 – No XII-2265)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/LT/republic-of-lithuania-law-on-elections-to-the-1/at_download/file
|
2020/06/05
|
|
Luxembourg
|
f. 10 or more days
|
During the month preceding the day of the European, legislative, and municipal elections, as well as during the course of these elections, the publication, dissemination, and commentary of any opinion poll related directly or indirectly to these elections, by any means whatsoever, are prohibited. Those who violate the provisions of this paragraph shall be punished with imprisonment from eight days to one month and a fine of 500 to 12,500 euros.
Source:
Electoral law, Art. 97 (2): https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/68/Luxembourg_electoral%20code_2003_amended2016_FR.pdf
|
2024/11/21
|
|
Macedonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of
|
c. 4-5 days
|
Article 77: (1) Opinion polls related to participants in the election process shall be published no later than five days before Election Day for the first and the second round of voting.
Source:
Electoral Code of the Republic of Macedonia including 2021 amendments, art. 77 (1)): https://www.ifes.org/document/northmacedoniaelectoralcodeupdatesseptember2021pdf
|
2024/11/20
|
|
Madagascar
|
h. Not applicable
|
This matter is not regulated.
Source:
Organic Law n° 2012-005 on the Electoral Code: http://mdm-national.mg/bureau/textes-reglementaires/textes-reglementaires/ (2013)
|
2013/02/12
|
|
Malawi
|
g. No information available
|
No restrictions are placed on opinion polls.
|
2012/02/06
|
|
Malaysia
|
h. Not applicable
|
Not applicable – no opinion polls
Source:
Elections Act 1958 with the subsequent amendments: http://www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%201/Act%2019%20-%20Elections%20Act%201958.pdf (2013)
|
2013/03/21
|
|
Maldives
|
g. No information available
|
Exit polls are not allowed (as of 2008) but no mentions on pre-election opinion polls.
Source:
Transparency Maldives, An Assessment of the Maldivian Electoral System (2008): http://www.transparencymaldives.org/uploads/page/file/electoral_assessment.pdf (2013)
|
2019/02/13
|
|
Mali
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Pas de loi pour le moment selon monsieur Omar Kamian du CSC
|
2005/06/03
|
|
Malta
|
a. 1 day
|
Source:
General Elections Act, Art. 114 (1): http://www.parlament.mt/general_election_act?l=1 (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Marshall Islands
|
g. No information available
|
|
2023/10/12
|
|
Martinique
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Loi n°77-808 du 19 juillet 1977 relative à la publication et à la diffusion de certains sondages d'opinion
|
2007/01/14
|
|
Mauritania
|
g. No information available
|
There are no specific legal provisions regulating this issue.
|
2024/10/28
|
|
Mauritius
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/02/25
|
|
Mayotte
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, [email protected]
|
2007/01/19
|
|
Mexico
|
b. 2-3 days
|
During the three days prior to polling day and up to the official closing hour of all the westernmost polling stations (20:00 Central Time).
Source:
Electoral Law: "Ley General de Instituciones y Procedimientos Electorales", art. 251 (6): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/MX/mexico-lgipe-2024/
|
2024/04/12
|
|
Micronesia, Federated States of
|
g. No information available
|
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Moldova, Republic of
|
c. 4-5 days
|
Article 70
(10) During the electoral period, any opinion polls on voters’ political preferences shall be conducted only
if the Central Electoral Commission was notified about this in advance. The results of such polls shall be made
public no later than 5 days before the Election Day. On Election Day, prior to the closure of all polling stations,
the Media shall not make public materials, including interviews with voters, the number of votes received by
candidates during the day, and their chances of winning, including the results of exit polls.
Source:
Electoral Code of The Republic of Moldova 2019, article 70:10.
|
2019/02/18
|
|
Monaco
|
h. Not applicable
|
No pr-election opinion polls are carried out.
Source:
Law No. 1299 of 15 July 2005 on freedom of expression;
Law 839 regulating communal and national elections, as amended;
Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, Report on the observation of the legislative elections in Monaco (2008): http://assembly.coe.int/mainf.asp?Link=/documents/workingdocs/doc08/fdoc11535.htm (2012)
|
2023/09/13
|
|
Mongolia
|
d. 6-7 days
|
70.2. Any entity is forbidden to conduct an opinion poll on parties or candidates, or publish or distribute its results in any manner in the week before the polling day.
Source:
Electoral Law of 2016, Art. 70.2: https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7739/file/Mongolia_law_elections_2015_am2016_en.pdf
|
2020/02/17
|
|
Montenegro
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Article 63: Within 15 days before the election day, radio-broadcasting services and other media shall not be allowed to publish the results of public opinion polling, other surveys and analyses regarding the choices of citizens with reference to election results assessment. On election day, during the voting, no one shall be allowed to publish an assessment of voting results in the programmes of radio-broadcasting services and other media.
Source:
Electoral Law: Law on the Election of Councillors and Representatives as amended in 2016, art. 63(1).
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/7743/file/Montenegro_Law_elections_councillors_members_of_parliament_1998_am2016_en.pdf
|
2021/12/24
|
|
Morocco
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Article 24: Les services de communication audiovisuelle s’abstiennent, durant la période s’étalant du quinzième jour précédant la date de début de la campagne officielle à la fin du scrutin, de diffuser les résultats de tout sondage d'opinion en relation directe ou indirecte, avec les élections. Translation: Audiovisual communication services shall refrain, during the period extending from the fifteenth day preceding the start date of the official campaign to the end of the ballot, from broadcasting the results of any opinion poll directly or indirectly related to the elections.
Source:
DECISION DU CONSEIL SUPERIEUR DE
LA COMMUNICATION AUDIOVISUELLE N°37-21
DU 21 KAADA 1442 (02 JUILLET 2021), Article 24: https://www.haca.ma/sites/default/files/upload/CSCA_D%C3%A9cision%20n%C2%B037-21%20Elections_VF_site.pdf
|
2022/08/02
|
|
Mozambique
|
f. 10 or more days
|
No opinion polls may be published between the start of the campaign period and until the official results are declared. The campaign period starts 45 days before the election.
Source:
Law No. 8/2013 of 27 February 2013 regulating presidential and legislative elections, art. 18, 24
|
2013/04/15
|
|
Namibia
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/02/25
|
|
Nauru
|
g. No information available
|
|
2019/07/11
|
|
Nepal
|
g. No information available
|
no opinion polls are allowed before polling from the moment the election is called.
Source:
Election code of conduct 2072 section 4 (Ta) P
http://www.election.gov.np/ecn/uploads/userfiles/ElectionCodeofConduct5thCompile.pdf
|
2018/04/06
|
|
Netherlands
|
h. Not applicable
|
There is no blackout period.
|
2022/08/02
|
|
New Caledonia
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, [email protected]
|
2007/01/19
|
|
New Zealand
|
a. 1 day
|
The election period in which election programmes may be broadcast ends the day preceding polling day. It is considered a criminal offense to electioneer on polling day.
election period, in relation to an election, means the period—
(a)
beginning with writ day; and
(b)
ending with the close of the day preceding polling day
Source:
Broadcasting Act 1989 Part 6 (69):
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/whole.html?search=ts_act_broadcasting_resel (2017) ;
https://elections.nz/guidance-and-rules/for-candidates/candidate-handbook/advertising-and-campaigning/
|
2024/09/03
|
|
Nicaragua
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law No. 331 (as amended by law No. 790 of 23/05/2012):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/NI/leyes-electorales/nicaragua-ley-no.-331-ley-electoral-2012/ (2016).
|
2016/06/07
|
|
Niger
|
h. Not applicable
|
|
2017/02/07
|
|
Nigeria
|
h. Not applicable
|
This matter is not regulated.
Source:
Electoral Act 2010: http://www.inecnigeria.org/downloads/?did=5 (2013)
|
2015/03/30
|
|
Niue
|
g. No information available
|
|
2014/06/23
|
|
Northern Mariana Islands
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
https://cnmilaw.org/pdf/public_laws/12/pl12-18.pdf
|
2024/12/10
|
|
Norway
|
a. 1 day
|
Election results and prognoses produced on the basis of investigations undertaken on the day or days on which polling takes place may not be published any earlier than 9.00 pm on Election Day Monday.
Source:
The Election Act, Ch. 9, Art. 9-9: http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/KRD/Kampanjer/valgportal/Regelverk/Representation_of_the_People_Act170609.pdf (2012)
|
2012/05/22
|
|
Oman
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Basic Statute of the State, as amended by Royal Decree No. 99/2011: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Oman_2011.pdf?lang=en
ROYAL DECREE NO. 86/97 On the Formation of The Council of Oman: http://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/83508/92277/F2092950230/OMN83508.pdf (1997)
|
2025/05/12
|
|
Pakistan
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Two days before the elections.
Source:
EU Election Observation Mission Report, 2018: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/final_report_pakistan_2018_english_0.pdf
|
2024/02/07
|
|
Palau
|
a. 1 day
|
Government facilities are not made available to candidates on the day of the election. (Not specified if this applies to media other than government broadcast facilities, if such facilities should exist.)
Source:
Voting Rights Act of 1981, as amended, Sec. 1546. (23 PNCA §1546).
|
2016/11/04
|
|
Palestine
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Elections Law 2 September 2007 regulating general elections: http://www.elections.ps/Portals/0/pdf/Election_Law_%282007-Sept_02%29-EN.pdf (2013)
|
2013/04/09
|
|
Panama
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Results of opinion polls cannot be published in the 2 days prior to Election Day.
Source:
Electoral Code: “Código Electoral”, art. 300, 413: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PA/panama-codigo-electoral-2023/
|
2024/12/05
|
|
Papua New Guinea
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Official Website of the Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea: http://www.pngec.gov.pg/ (2012)
|
2017/03/16
|
|
Paraguay
|
f. 10 or more days
|
Source:
Electoral Law: Código Electoral Paraguayo (Ley 834/96), art. 305:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PY/paraguay-codigo-electoral-2014/ (2014)
|
2023/03/16
|
|
Peru
|
d. 6-7 days
|
The publication or dissemination of any kind of pre-election polls through the media can be made until the Sunday before Election Day.
Source:
Electoral Law: “Ley 26859, orgánica de elecciones”, art. 191: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PE/peru-ley-26859-organica-elecciones-2019/
|
2020/01/28
|
|
Philippines
|
h. Not applicable
|
The provision according to which surveys affecting national candidates shall not be published fifteen (15) days before an election and surveys affecting local candidates shall not be published seven (7) days before an election has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Source:
The Fair Elections Act No. 9006 of 2001, Sec. 5.4: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/OtherElectionLaws/RA9006 (2016)
Provision ruled unconstitutional in SWS v. Comelec, G.R. No. 147571 (May 5, 2001): http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2001/may2001/147571.htm (2016)
|
2016/05/12
|
|
Poland
|
a. 1 day
|
§ 1 From 24 hours before the vote until the end of voting, it is prohibited to disseminate to the public the results of pre-election surveys, public opinion polls concerning the expected voting behavior and election results and the results of polling conducted on Election Day.
§ 2 The provision of § 1 shall apply on the territory of the Polish Republic.
Source:
Election Code: Act of 5 January 2011 on Election Code to the Sejm of the Republic of Poland and to the Senate of the Republic of Poland, article 115: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/40/POL_Election%20Code.pdf
|
2024/11/13
|
|
Portugal
|
h. Not applicable
|
Article 60:
The prohibition on divulging opinion polls was repealed.
Source:
Law governing Elections to the Assembly of the Republic, Article 60: https://www.parlamento.pt/sites/EN/Parliament/Documents/LeiEleitoralARen.pdf
|
2024/10/10
|
|
Puerto Rico
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law: “Código Electoral de Puerto Rico de 2020”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-58-2020-codigo-electoral-2020/ ;
Political Financing Law: “Ley para la fiscalización del financiamiento de campaña política en Puerto Rico”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/PR/puerto-rico-ley-222-2011-fiscalizacion-financiamiento-politico-58-2020/
|
2020/11/03
|
|
Qatar
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution: https://www.gco.gov.qa/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/permanent_constitution_state_qatar_en.pdf
|
2025/05/08
|
|
Romania
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Article 38-1: (3) With 48 hours before the election day the presentation of public opinion polls, television votes or inquiries made on the street shall be forbidden.
Source:
Electoral Law: Law No. 35 of 13 March 2008 for the election to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, art. 38-1(3).
https://www.legislationline.org/download/id/4224/file/ROM%20Election%20Laws_en.pdf
|
2020/08/24
|
|
Russian Federation
|
c. 4-5 days
|
3. Within five days before the voting day and on the voting day it shall be prohibited to publish (make public) opinion poll results, forecasts of election results at elections of deputies of the State Duma, other studies relating to the election, in particular in the public information and telecommunication networks (including the Internet).
Source:
Federal Law On Elections of Deputies to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, amended as of April, 5, 2016, art. 60: https://legislationline.org/sites/default/files/documents/34/Law%20on%20Parliamentary%20Elections%20of%20the%20Russian%20Federation%20as%20of%20February%202014.pdf
|
2024/03/27
|
|
Rwanda
|
g. No information available
|
|
2017/03/03
|
|
Réunion
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Loi n°77-808 du 19 juillet 1977 relative à la publication et à la diffusion de certains sondages d'opinion
|
2007/01/14
|
|
Saint Helena
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Carol George, Office of the Chief Secretary, Saint Helena
|
2007/01/19
|
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis
|
h. Not applicable
|
No official information provided.
|
2020/04/27
|
|
Saint Lucia
|
g. No information available
|
|
2013/07/16
|
|
Samoa
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
|
2021/04/10
|
|
San Marino
|
a. 1 day
|
a) Any form of electoral propaganda is prohibited during the election day
Source:
Codification of provisions for the regulation of electoral campaigns, Art. 9 (Art. 9 of Law n.36/1997)
|
2012/05/28
|
|
Sao Tome and Principe
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Law of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe n.º 11/90 of 26 November 1990, as amended (latest amendment - 2006): http://www.stj.st/download/Lei_Eleitoral.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Saudi Arabia
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Shura Council Law: http://www.shura.gov.sa/wps/wcm/connect/ShuraEn/internet/Laws+and+Regulations/The+Shura+Council+and+the+rules+and+regulations+job/Shura+Council+Law/ (2012);
The Basic Law of Governance: http://www.boe.gov.sa/ViewSystemDetails.aspx?lang=en&SystemID=4 (2012)
|
2012/08/20
|
|
Senegal
|
h. Not applicable
|
This matter is not regulated in the Electoral Law.
Source:
Electoral Code 2012: http://www.elections2012.sn/images/stories/CE2012.pdf (2017)
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Serbia
|
g. No information available
|
|
2022/11/07
|
|
Seychelles
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
- Elections Act Chapter 68A (1996)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-electoral-act-1996/view //
- Elections (amendment) Act n°27 of 2014
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SC/seychelles-elections-amendment-act-nb027-of-2014/view
|
2025/03/03
|
|
Sierra Leone
|
h. Not applicable
|
This matter is not regulated.
|
2017/01/16
|
|
Singapore
|
f. 10 or more days
|
No person shall publish or permit or cause to be published the results of any election survey during the period beginning with the day the writ of election is issued for an election and ending with the close of all polling stations on polling day at the election. “Election survey” means an opinion survey of how electors will vote at an election or of the preferences of electors respecting any candidate or group of candidates or any political party or issue with which an identifiable candidate or group of candidates is associated at an election.
Any person who contravenes this blackout period shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act, art. 78C: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/SG/singapore-parliamentary-elections-act-2011/view (2017)
|
2017/03/24
|
|
Slovakia
|
a. 1 day
|
- 1 days before the election day (parliamentary)
- 3 days before the election day (presidential)
Source:
Act on Election of the President of the Slovak Republic, plebiscite, recalling of president and amending of some other acts, as amended, Article 15 (14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-presidential-election-law-1999/view
Act On Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic, Section 24(14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/SK/slovakia-municipalities-election-law-1990/view
|
2024/10/25
|
|
Slovenia
|
g. No information available
|
|
2017/03/30
|
|
Solomon Islands
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
National Parliament Electoral Provisions Act (2010 Consolidated Version): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/SB/solomon-islands-national-parliament-electoral-3/view (2019).
|
2019/03/01
|
|
Somalia
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Transitional Constitution of 2012:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SO/somalia-provisional-constitution-of-2012/view
|
2016/11/25
|
|
South Africa
|
b. 2-3 days
|
48 hours
Source:
Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, Sections 6(1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZA/south-africa-electoral-act-73-of-1998-as-amended/view
|
2014/05/01
|
|
South Sudan
|
g. No information available
|
There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source:
National Elections Act 2012, art. 87: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/SS/south-sudan-the-national-elections-act-no.-39-of/view
|
2021/06/02
|
|
Spain
|
c. 4-5 days
|
During the five days prior to the election day, the publication, dissemination, or reproduction of electoral surveys by any means of communication is prohibited.
Source:
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", art. 69: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
|
2025/04/03
|
|
Sri Lanka
|
g. No information available
|
The Commonwealth election observation team noted the extensive publication of opinion surveys during the campaign, and indeed on polling day itself.
Source:
Commonwealth election observer group:
http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/uploadedfiles/AC871F4B-5A17-4A57-AA39-31045BD21C61_SRILANKAPRESIDENTIALELECTION17NOVEMBER2005-REPORTOFTHECOMMONWEALTHEXPERTTEAM.pdf
|
2012/06/14
|
|
Sudan
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
EU Election Observation Mission to the Executive and Legislative Elections of 11-15 April 2010 in Sudan, Final Report: http://www.eueom.eu/files/dmfile/final-report-eu-eom-sudan-2010_en.pdf (2012);
The National Elections Act 2008, art. 66, 69: http://www.gurtong.org/ResourceCenter/documents/Reports/Elections-09/nationalelectionsact2008.pdf (2012)
|
2012/09/04
|
|
Suriname
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Observation Mission for the General Elections in the Republic of Suriname on May 25, 2010: http://www.oas.org/es/sap/docs/deco/2010/SURINAME_%20MAY25_%202010_e.pdf (2012)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Swaziland
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/02/24
|
|
Sweden
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS Assessment mission report - General Elections of 19 September 2010: http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/70947 (2012)
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Switzerland
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Guidelines for the Declaration of responsibilities and rights of journalists: http://www.rjionline.org/MAS-Codes-Switzerland-Duties-Rights-2000 (2000)
Constitution: https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/201506140000/101.pdf (2015)
|
2025/03/28
|
|
Syrian Arab Republic
|
g. No information available
|
|
2014/06/03
|
|
Taiwan
|
f. 10 or more days
|
During the period from 10 days before the polling day to the deadline for voting, any political party or person may not, by any means, issue any investigation questionnaire on the candidates or the public opinion about the election, and also may not report, diffuse, review or cite it.
Source:
Article 52, Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act
https://law.moj.gov.tw/ENG/LawClass/LawAll.aspx?pcode=D0020053
|
2020/04/13
|
|
Tajikistan
|
c. 4-5 days
|
The results of the opinion polls, forecasts of the elections outcome and other researches related to elections can not be published in Mass Media five days prior to voting and on the Election Day.
Source:
Constitutional Law On Elections to the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan, amended as of July 26, 2014, article 39.
|
2025/02/18
|
|
Tanzania, United Republic of
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
The National Elections Act 2010: http://www.tz.undp.org/ESP/docs/Legal_Documents/National_Elections_Act-Cap_343.PDF (2013)
|
2015/10/26
|
|
Thailand
|
g. No information available
|
|
2023/10/11
|
|
Timor-Leste
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Opinion polls and surveys shall not be published the two days preceding the election day.
Source:
Regulation n.º 03/STAE/X/2011 on the electoral campaign for presidential and parliamentary elections, article 4 (3): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TL/timor-leste-regulation-no-03-stae-x-2011-on-the/view
|
2024/11/14
|
|
Togo
|
h. Not applicable
|
This matter is not regulated.
Source:
Electoral Code No. 2000-07 as amended: http://www.ifes.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Election%20Law/2005/IFES_19/EL00062.pdf (2013)
|
2013/01/10
|
|
Tonga
|
g. No information available
|
The law does not specifically refer to the blackout period during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released.
Source:
Electoral Act (as amended in 2014): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/pacific/TO/tonga-electoral-act-1989-1 (2021)
|
2021/09/15
|
|
Trinidad and Tobago
|
g. No information available
|
|
2020/08/22
|
|
Tunisia
|
f. 10 or more days
|
It is prohibited, during the electoral campaign or referendum campaign, and during the period of electoral silence, to broadcast or publish the results of opinion surveys that are directly or indirectly related to elections or referendums, as well as studies and journalistic commentaries on such surveys, across the different media.
Source:
Organic Law n° 2014-16 of 26 May 2014 on Elections and Referenda, art. 70: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/TN/tunisia-organic-law-on-elections-and-referenda/view (2014).
|
2019/08/05
|
|
Turkey
|
d. 6-7 days
|
Within seven days before the voting date, no broadcasts for or against a specific political party or candidate nor any broadcasts that may influence the citizen's vote through any kind of programmes such as news and interviews or through advertising or public opinion surveys, questionnaires, forecasts, and via information communication telephone lines under labels such as mini-referendums shall be allowed. Those not complying with these restrictions are deemed to have violated the broadcasting standards.
Source:
Law on the Establishment of Radio and Television Enterprises and Their Broadcasts, art.32
|
2014/08/04
|
|
Turkmenistan
|
h. Not applicable
|
The Law doesn't specify any blackout period.
Source:
Law on Elections of the President of Turkmenistan (2011);
Law of Turkmenistan on Elections of Deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan (2008)
|
2013/03/06
|
|
Turks and Caicos Islands
|
h. Not applicable
|
There is no blackout period.
Source:
Constitution: “The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-constitution-2014/ ;
Electoral Law: “Elections Ordinance”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-elections-ordinance-2018/ ;
Political Parties’ Law: “Political Activities Ordinance”: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-political-activities-ordinance-2018/ ;
Final Report of the Electoral Observation Mission conducted by the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) between 8th and 18th December 2016: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/TC/turks-and-caicos-cpa-uk-bimr-eom-final-report-2016/
|
2020/10/08
|
|
Tuvalu
|
g. No information available
|
|
2012/06/20
|
|
Uganda
|
g. No information available
|
There are no specific legal provision in this regard, the electoral law only states that a campaign meeting shall not be held within twenty-four hours before polling day.
Source:
Parliamentary Elections Act as amended in 2010, art. 20 (5)
http://www.ec.or.ug/docs/parliamentary%20election%20Act%202005.pdf (2016);
|
2016/02/29
|
|
Ukraine
|
b. 2-3 days
|
During the last two days prior to the election day, the publication or dissemination in any other manner of the results of election-related opinion polls, including those pertaining to the parties that are electoral subjects and to legislative candidates, shall be prohibited.
Source:
The Law on Elections of People's Deputies of Ukraine (last amended in 2019), art. 67 (3):
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/en/4061-17
|
2019/03/12
|
|
United Arab Emirates
|
b. 2-3 days
|
For the first time, the NEC (Electoral Management Body) have removed the 48-hour period of “election silence" prior the election day
Source:
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/timeline-for-uae-s-largest-election-to-date-set-out-1.881385
|
2019/09/25
|
|
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
h. Not applicable
|
Opinion polls may be published up to polling day, but exit polls can only be published after the close of poll.
The Representation of the People Act 1983 prohibits the publication of the results of polls conducted on Election Day whilst voting is taking place. This is outlined in Ofcom’s (the communication services regulator) Broadcasting Code.
"185.The Representation of the People Act 1983 prohibits, before the poll for an election has closed, the publication of the following:
“(a) any statement relating to the way in which voters have voted at the election where that statement is (or might reasonably be taken to be) based on information given by voters after they have voted, or
(b) any forecast as to the result of the election which is (or might reasonably be taken to be) based on information so given.”
186. Aside from these provisions, there is no legal regulation of polling in the UK. Instead, most of the polling organisations belong to one or both of two industry bodies which require them to comply with their codes of conduct: the British Polling Council (BPC) and the Market Research Society (MRS)."
Source:
United Kingdom Parliament: The Politics of Polling, Ch. 5: Oversight of polling
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201719/ldselect/ldppdm/106/10608.htm
Ofcom, Section six: elections and referendums (2024):
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/broadcast-standards/section-six-elections-referendums
|
2025/06/23
|
|
United States of America
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Citizens United v FEC No.08-205 558 U.S. 310 (2010) ;
https://www.fcc.gov/media/policy/statutes-and-rules-candidate-appearances-advertising
|
2020/10/21
|
|
Uruguay
|
b. 2-3 days
|
48 hours before elections
Source:
Ley Nº 17.045 sobre Partidos Políticos que regulan la Publicidad Electoral, modificada por la Ley Nº 17.818, art. 1 y 6: http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Parties/Uruguay/Leyes/Ley17045.pdf (2012)
Electoral law: Ley de Elecciones (Ley No. 7812), art. 176, https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/UY/uruguay-ley-de-elecciones-ley-no.-7812-2014/view (2000).
|
2024/12/19
|
|
Uzbekistan
|
b. 2-3 days
|
Article 103: On the election day and the day before the start of voting, it shall be prohibited to publish (promulgate) the results of public opinion surveys, forecasts of election results, other researches related to the elections, including their placement in the information networks, as well as in the Internet.
Source:
Election Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chapter 18, Article 103: https://lex.uz/docs/4458857?ONDATE=26.06.2019
|
2024/08/22
|
|
Vanuatu
|
g. No information available
|
There are no references to any blackout period in the Electoral Law.
|
2025/04/03
|
|
Venezuela
|
d. 6-7 days
|
It is prohibited to publish or disclose, through any social media or other media, during the period of seven days prior to the polling day, the results of surveys or opinion polls regarding the preferences or voting intentions of voters.
Source:
Electoral Branch Law: “Ley Orgánica del Poder Electoral”, art. 82: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/americas/VE/leyes-electorales/venezuela-ley-organica-poder-electoral-2002/
|
2020/11/15
|
|
Viet Nam
|
h. Not applicable
|
Source:
Constitution of 1992 as amended, art. 4:
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/Lists/Vn%20bn%20php%20lut/View_Detail.aspx?ItemID=10450 (2016);
Law of 1997 on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly, as amended and supplemented by laws No. 31/2001/QH10 and No: 63/2010/QH12, art. 52, 53:
http://www.moj.gov.vn/vbpq/en/lists/vn%20bn%20php%20lut/view_detail.aspx?itemid=2526 (2016)
|
2016/06/20
|
|
Virgin Islands, British
|
g. No information available
|
|
2019/03/05
|
|
Virgin Islands, U.S.
|
g. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Wallis and Futuna
|
b. 2-3 days
|
2 days: polling day and the eve of polling day
Source:
Elections office, Ministry of Interior, France, [email protected]
|
2007/01/19
|
|
Western Sahara
|
g. No information available
|
|
2009/08/14
|
|
Yemen
|
g. No information available
|
There are no specific legal provisions in this regard.
Source:
General Elections and Referendum Law of 2001: http://www.scer.org.ye/english/generalelectionslaw.htm (2012)
|
2012/08/22
|
|
Zambia
|
g. No information available
|
Television may not broadcast opinion poll results or
predictions of the result on polling day until the polls have closed. Broadcasters must reveal the sources of opinion polls and indicate the margins of error.
Source:
Electoral Law: Electoral (Code of Conduct) Regulations, art. 4 & 13.
www.elections.org.zm/media/electoral_code_of_conduct_2011.pdf (2016)
|
2016/06/28
|
|
Zanzibar
|
g. No information available
|
Source:
Electoral Act No. 11 of 1984 as amended,
The Code of Conduct by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission for the 2010 General Elections
http://www.temco.udsm.ac.tz/images/stories/Electral_Laws/ZANZIBAR-ELECTION-ACT-2010.pdf (2016)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/ZZ/zanzibar-code-of-conduct-for-state-owned-media-on/view (2016)
|
2016/04/05
|
|
Zimbabwe
|
g. No information available
|
|
2023/09/25
|
