Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election scheduled for Thursday, 12 February 2026, the Election Commission has issued a significant directive concerning polling day conduct. In an official notification released on Sunday, the Commission strictly prohibited voters from carrying any mobile phones within polling stations. This ban applies to a radius of 400 yards from each polling station to ensure a secure and orderly voting environment.
The notification clarified that, while the restriction applies to all ordinary voters, exemptions exist for three professional categories who are authorised to carry mobile devices inside polling stations:
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The Presiding Officer of the polling station
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The police officer on duty at the polling station
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Two members of the Ansar or Village Defence Party (VDP) registered in the Election Security 2026 app
Polling will take place from 07:30 to 16:30. Across the country’s 64 districts, over 42,000 polling centres and approximately 250,000 voting booths have been arranged to accommodate the electorate.
A summary of the key election details is presented below:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Election Day | 12 February 2026 |
| Polling Hours | 07:30 – 16:30 |
| Total Districts | 64 |
| Total Polling Centres | 42,000+ |
| Total Voting Booths | Approx. 250,000 |
| Parliamentary Seats | 300 (except Sherpur-3) |
| Participating Political Parties | 51 registered parties |
A notable development is the postponement of voting in the Sherpur-3 constituency due to the death of a candidate. The election will therefore proceed for the remaining 299 seats, with 51 political parties participating nationwide.
The Election Commission has urged voters to exercise caution and comply fully with the mobile phone ban. Citizens are advised that adhering to this rule is crucial for maintaining both the transparency of the vote and the security of polling stations. The directive underscores the Commission’s emphasis on safeguarding the electoral process from any electronic interference, ensuring that voting proceeds smoothly and without disruption.
Voters are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the regulations ahead of polling day to avoid any inconvenience and to facilitate a safe and fair electoral process. By strictly enforcing the mobile phone prohibition, the Commission aims to create a controlled and secure environment in which the democratic process can be carried out seamlessly.
