Strict rules on exit polls could be undermined by users of social networks like Twitter and might even cause the presidential election to be cancelled.

"/> Strict rules on exit polls could be undermined by users of social networks like Twitter and might even cause the presidential election to be cancelled.

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Twitter could lead to election cancellation

Strict rules on exit polls could be undermined by users of social networks like Twitter and might even cause the presidential election to be cancelled.

Published: 10 April 2012 09:50 CEST

Twitter could lead to election cancellation

Manuel Iglesias

French election rules state that no opinion polls or predictions can be published between midnight on Friday before the election day (always a Sunday) and the close of polling.

Media organisations are banned from publishing the results of any polls and risk fines of between €3,500 and €75,000 ($4,500 and $100,000).

Twitter has around 5.2 million users in France and Facebook has many more.

If enough users start to spread news of exit polls on voting day, authorities are worried that they could start to influence voting.

“Sending a tweet or a message on Facebook fall under the law,” said Mattias Guyomar, general secretary of the French Polling Commission, reported Sunday’s Le Journal du Dimanche.

The newspaper reported that legal experts are worried that the spreading of information could even lead to “the cancellation of the election.”

Polling organisations use exit poll data to create predictions of the outcome. These tend to be circulating in news rooms by early evening, while polls close at 8pm.

This year, there is a real risk that the “happy few” of those in the know “will be much longer” said Mickaël Darmon, a political commentator with TV channel i>Télé.

Problems could occur in marginal areas where knowledge of candidate support might affect how those voting later cast their ballots.

“In the case of an extremely close result between two candidates, it would be within the loser’s rights to appeal the results before the Constitutional Council and demand that the election be cancelled,” reported the newspaper.

The first round of voting will take place on Sunday April 22nd, with a second round for the two best-placed candidates to follow two weeks later on Sunday May 6th.

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Frankfurt party organizers face hefty fine for flouting Easter dancing ban

There are restrictions on dancing in Germany during Easter. Photo: Depositphotos/pitangacherry

With restrictions varying across the country's 16 states, the dancing ban, or 'Tanzverbot', effectively bars public dancing on the Christian holiday. In some states, including Hesse, the ban lasts for more than one day.

Now authorities in Frankfurt, the biggest city in Hesse, have vowed to crack down on anyone who ignores the ban that’s in place from Thursday to Saturday, reported regional newspaper the Frankfurter Rundschau (FR).

According to the law in Hesse, a fine of up to €1000 can be handed out to anyone who puts on a public dance event, the spokesman for the Ordnungsamt, Ralph Rohr, told the FR.

One of the city’s mayors, Uwe Becker, of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), has called for residents to show respect for those who observe the religious Easter holiday, and not take part in any dancing.

“Even those who do not belong to a religion themselves should show respect for the feelings of others,” said the CDU politician who is head of the church department in Frankfurt.

The law in Hesse states that dancing in public is forbidden from 4am on Maundy Thursday until midnight on Holy Saturday, as well as on Sundays and public holidays from 4am until 12 noon.

According to Rohr, city police will conduct their usual checks during this time.

“If complaints are received, police will investigate them,” said the Ordnungsamt spokesman.

In response to the FR's question as to whether dancing would be stopped, Rohr said: “We will end what is not allowed.” Clubs will be contacted by authorities and warned in advance.

SEE ALSO: 10 ways to celebrate Easter in Germany like a local

Ban is contentious

As well as dancing, other activities are banned at Easter time, such as sporting events and gambling. The ban on dancing has led to protests across Germany throughout the years.

Centre-left Social Democrats politician Kevin Kühnert recently said the ban should be abolished. He said people should be able to decide for themselves whether they want to celebrate or not. He told the Redaktionsnetzwerk that “anyone who wants to go to a disco that day should be able to do so.”

A protester at a demo in Stuttgart in 2015 holds placards that read: 'We dance when we want!' and 'Release the dance!' Photo: DPA

Not surprisingly, club capital Berlin is the most liberal state when it comes to upholding the silent public holiday, with the 'Tanzverbot' only in place from 4am to 9pm on Good Friday.

In the southern state of Bavaria, which is largely Catholic, the ban runs for 70 hours: from 2 am on Maundy Thursday until midnight on Holy Saturday. Penalties vary, but people who flout the law, which tends to be event organizers or club owners, risk fines of up to €1,500.

'Important gesture'

Meanwhile, in Frankfurt, Becker urged all citizens to comply with the legal regulation on Good Friday.

For many Christians it is deemed inappropriate to dance or celebrate during Holy Week – the seven days leading up to Easter Sunday. Good Friday, when Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, is of particular importance. For Catholics, the day is traditionally meant for fasting and abstinence.

Becker said that not taking part in “loud and exuberant celebrations” is “an important gesture” that shows respect to “fellow human beings”.

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