Election Commission Lifts Mobile Phone Ban for Journalists at Polling Stations

The Election Commission (EC) has agreed to exempt journalists from a controversial ban on mobile phones at polling stations following a meeting with media leaders on Monday.

The decision comes after a directive issued Sunday prohibited anyone, including voters, from carrying a mobile phone within 400 yards of a polling center for the upcoming 13th national election and referendum. The ban sparked widespread criticism from civil society and social media users, with many suggesting the move could hinder transparency and hide potential irregularities.

Reporters Forum for Elections and Democracy (RFED) President Kazi Jebel met with EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at the Election Building in Agargaon to protest the restriction. Jebel argued that mobile phones are essential tools for real-time reporting and that the ban would effectively obstruct press freedom.

Following the meeting, the EC acknowledged these concerns and assured the forum that a formal notification would be issued to allow journalists to use their devices at the polls.

While the exemption applies to the press, the ban remains in effect for the general public to prevent unauthorized photography or filming of ballots.