Journos can’t use motorbikes on voting day
The Election Commission has banned journalists from using motorcycles during elections.
In a new guideline on media personnel published yesterday, the EC also said no more than two journalists would be allowed in a voting room at a time, and a journalist would not be allowed to stay in a room for more than 10 minutes.
The previous EC also put a ban on the use of motorcycles on the day of the last national election, but it withdrew the decision amid protests by journalists.
Earlier on March 13, journalists told a meeting with the EC that the use of motorcycles should not be banned.
The Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy rejected the guideline, saying it was anti-journalist in nature, and demanded a new policy.
After the guideline was issued, journalists went to the room of EC Secretary Jahangir Alam, but he refused to comment on the matter.
According to the guidelines, journalists who receive cards from the EC will be able to film, take photos and gather information at polling centres by informing the presiding officers.
But cameras will not be allowed in the secret chamber where constituents cast their vote.
Taking interviews of polling officers, polling agents, and voters inside the rooms will be prohibited.
Journalists will be allowed to observe vote counting, but they will not be allowed to take photos, broadcast live, or use the live feature of social media.
Journalists will follow all legal instructions of the presiding officer and will not interfere in the work of polling officers. They will also be prohibited from touching election materials.
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