Mobile Phones Allowed at Polling Centres, but Not Inside Voting Booths
The Election Commission (EC) has moved to clear confusion over the use of mobile phones at polling centres, stating that voters, candidates and polling agents will be allowed to carry mobile phones into polling stations and take photographs. However, mobile phones will be strictly prohibited inside the voting booth or secret ballot area, and taking photos there will not be allowed under any circumstances.
The clarification was given by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at a press conference held on Monday, February 9, at the Election Commission building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Addressing concerns raised by political parties, Akhtar Ahmed said the confusion stemmed from a “miscommunication” regarding an earlier directive. “What we intended to convey in our letter was not properly reflected in writing. Some restrictions on mobile phone use will remain, which we are now clarifying,” he said.
The EC secretary said the upcoming election has drawn significant international attention, with 540 foreign observers and journalists set to be present. Among them are 223 representatives from the European Union, 25 from the Commonwealth and 12 from the International Republican Institute (IRI). Journalists from Turkey, Malaysia, the Philippines, Pakistan and Georgia will also cover the polls, alongside major international media outlets such as Al Jazeera, Reuters, Deutsche Welle and the Associated Press.
Akhtar Ahmed also said errors detected in ballot papers for Faridpur-1 and Barguna constituencies have been corrected. He reminded that all forms of election campaigning will come to an end from Tuesday morning, February 10, and that digital campaigning on social media will be placed under strict monitoring.
On election-related violence, he said the overall law and order situation remains satisfactory, although two deaths are “deeply unfortunate and condemnable.” He added that counter-statements during rallies and meetings are part of the electoral process and noted that political speeches have so far remained within acceptable limits.
Assuring a prompt announcement of results after vote counting, Akhtar Ahmed said there is no justification for any delay beyond the normal time required to count ballots. He urged voters to turn out without fear, saying there is “no reason for concern” regarding the voting process.
DBTech/MI/EK
