Amid accusation that survey groups are guilty of “trending” to influence the outcome of elections in favor of certain candidates, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued the guidelines for holding surveys, including the exit polls.

The guidelines require that the surveys, together with raw data gathered to support their conclusions, should be made available for inspection, copying and verification.

The Comelec, led by Chairman Jose A.R. Melo, issued the guidelines based on the provisions of Republic Act 9006, the Fair Election Practices Act, directing the publication of the survey and disclosing the name of the person, candidate, party, or organization that commissioned or paid for the survey.

Pollsters are also required to disclose the name of the person, polling firm or survey organization that conducted the survey, the period during which it was conducted, the methodology used, including the number of individual respondents and the areas which they were selected, and the specific questions asked.

The margin of error of the survey is also required to be disclosed, including the mailing address and telephone number, indicating it as an address or telephone number at which the sponsor can be contacted to obtain a written report regarding the survey.

Pollsters doing exit polls won’t be allowed within 50 meters from the polling place. They are also required to wear distinctive clothing and prominently wear their identification cards issued by the organization they represent and they must inform the voters that they may refuse to answer.

“The results of the exit polls may be announced after the closing of voting on election day, and must identify the total number of respondents, and the places where they were taken. Said announcement shall state that it is unofficial and does not represent a trend,” the Comelec said. (E. T. Suarez)