EC bans rallies, processions in polling zones from Tuesday morning

The restriction covers 48 hours before and after voting

file photo

The Election Commission (EC) has imposed a blanket ban on public meetings, marches or processions in election areas during the restricted period around the polls.

In an “emergency” notice issued on Monday, the commission says the prohibition applies under Article 78 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, covering the 48 hours before polling starts and the 48 hours after it ends -- from 7:30am on Feb 10 to 4:30pm on Feb 14.

Voting in the referendum and the general election is scheduled to begin at 7:30am on Feb 12.