National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (Southern region) Hasnat Abdullah has demanded immediate withdrawal of the ban on mobile phones within 400 yards of polling centres.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, the NCP leader said, “Banning mobile phones within 400 yards of the polling centres means everyone has to leave their mobiles at home. Even Mobile journalists or citizen journalism is not allowed. This is clearly a reckless decision. Such a decision can only be taken if there is an intention to ‘engineer’ or commit fraud.”
He further said there is “no logic” in prohibiting mobile phones within such a radius. He had never witnessed such a measure previously. He expressed concern that “this means that even if there is a danger, no one can be called and informed. Many will not even go to vote if they cannot take their mobiles due to insecurity.”
Hasnat remarked that while CCTV cameras may be present, they will not provide immediate assistance.
He emphasised that personal phones are effective in preventing booth capturing and vote-rigging, saying, “Cameras cannot portray scenes of irregularities and fraud in the way journalists can play a role through mobile phones. Personal phones will be effective in preventing booth capturing and vote-rigging. Video will be recorded immediately.”
He added, “Election Commission (EC) may have imposed the restriction specifically to prevent the documentation of malpractice. Perhaps EC has banned mobile phones within 400 yards so that no one can record these frauds. This is clearly providing an opportunity for vote-rigging.”
“This decision should be withdrawn immediately,” he said.
