Code of Conduct

1. Who this Code applies to

This Code applies to all employees, interns, consultants and contractors of PollMine Analytics, whether working in the office, in the field, at events or online. Breaching it may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or ending a contract, and, where the law has been broken, referral to the authorities.

2. Integrity and honesty

Be truthful in everything we produce: research, reports, content, proposals and invoices.
Never fabricate or manipulate data, survey results, endorsements, testimonials or case studies.
State the limitations of our research and never present a forecast as a certainty.
Never promise clients guaranteed election results or outcomes we cannot control.

3. Anti-bribery and corruption

Never offer, give, request or accept a bribe or any improper advantage, directly or through anyone else, in line with the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
Never offer money, gifts, alcohol or other inducements to voters, officials or journalists.
Record all payments accurately. Advertising and campaign expenditure must be documented for the client's authorised expenditure team.

4. Election law and responsible campaigning

Follow election law, including the Representation of the People Act, 1951, applicable Election Commission of India instructions, the Model Code of Conduct and silence-period restrictions.
Never publish a political advertisement before any required pre-certification or approval has been obtained.
Never create fake accounts, spread misinformation, impersonate anyone, use undisclosed paid influence, or use AI-generated or altered media to mislead the public.
Never make appeals on the basis of religion, caste, community or language, or engage in intimidation or undue influence of voters.

5. Confidentiality

Keep all client information, strategy, research and personal data confidential, during and after your time with us.
Do not discuss one client's work with another client. We serve clients across the political spectrum, and each must be able to trust us completely.
Use only approved, secure tools for client work. Never share passwords or store client data on personal devices or in personal chat apps.

6. Personal data and privacy

Handle personal data only for the authorised purpose and in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and our data-handling procedures.
Collect the minimum data needed, keep it secure, and never sell it or reuse it for unrelated purposes.
Report any suspected data breach to your manager immediately, so it can be handled and reported as the law requires.

7. Conflicts of interest

Avoid situations where your personal interests, relationships or outside work could conflict with your duties to PollMine Analytics or its clients.
Disclose any potential conflict — such as a close relative standing for election, or work for a competing campaign — to your manager in writing before it becomes an issue.

8. Gifts and hospitality

Do not accept or offer gifts, hospitality or favours that could influence, or appear to influence, a business decision. Modest, occasional courtesies are acceptable only if they are declared to your manager.

9. Political neutrality at work

Your personal political views and votes are your own. At work, represent only the client you are assigned to, keep personal political activity separate from your role, and never use PollMine's name, resources or client information for personal political purposes.

10. Social media and public statements

Do not speak to the media or post about clients, engagements or confidential matters without authorisation.
Make clear that personal social media posts are your own views, and never post content that is false, abusive or harassing.

11. Respect and safety at work

Treat colleagues, clients, suppliers and members of the public with respect.
Discrimination, bullying and harassment of any kind are not tolerated. Sexual harassment is addressed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Follow safety guidance during field work, travel and events, and stop work if conditions become unsafe.

12. Use of company resources

Use PollMine equipment, accounts, software and brand assets only for legitimate work, and protect them from loss, misuse and unauthorised access.

13. Reporting concerns

If you see or suspect a breach of this Code or the law, report it to your manager or to pollmineanalytics@gmail.com. Concerns are handled confidentially. No one will face retaliation for raising a concern in good faith; retaliation itself is a serious breach of this Code.

14. Review

This Code is reviewed at least once a year. It should be read together with our Human Rights Policy and Responsible Practice & Disclosures.