Shedding light on the role of pollsters in democratic systems

At a recent seminar on "Political Polling in Asia-Pacific" held in Singapore, panellists exchanged their experiences in polling, which vary according to the socio-political background of various countries and added that the role of the modern media in publicising the results of polls is an important factor in the lead-up to crucial elections. SMU Associate Professor Kirpal Singh who was among the panellists said Singaporeans are still a long way from appreciating the links between politics and polls, based on the general election result in May 2011 and the subsequent presidential election in August. Conducting exit polls, for example, and publishing the results, are strictly not allowed. Professor Kirpal Singh is also the Director of the Wee Kim Wee Centre at SMU.