EC assures withdrawal of ban on journalists carrying mobiles inside polling centres

The Election Commission has assured that it will withdraw the ban on journalists carrying mobile phones inside polling centres, which was imposed in connection with the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum.

This information was shared by the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy, RFED, after a meeting with EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed at the Election Building on Monday.

The organisation's president, Kazi Zebel, said RFED strongly condemned the EC's decision to ban mobile phone use by journalists inside polling stations. The EC was told that such a decision would hinder election transparency and media freedom, as mobile phones are an essential tool for journalists to perform their duties.

"In this regard, the Election Commission has given its assurance, and the decision will be taken to relax this ban for journalists. The EC has also assured that the matter will be officially communicated through a notification soon," she said.

Earlier on Sunday, an EC circular stated that mobile phones would not be allowed within 400 yards of a polling centre. Only the Presiding Officer, the Police In-Charge of the centre, assigned Ansar members, or two Ansar members using the 'Election Security 2026' app, would be permitted to carry phones.