EC imposes vehicle movement restrictions during national election

The Election Commission (EC) has imposed restrictions on the movement of certain vehicles ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum scheduled for February 12.

According to EC directives, from 12:00am on February 11 to 12:00am on February 12, the movement of taxicabs, pickups, microbuses, and trucks will be prohibited, while launches and engine boats will also remain suspended during the same period.

In a separate letter, the EC banned the movement of motorcycles from 12:00am on February 10 to 12:00am on February 13.

The EC stated that restrictions will be relaxed in certain cases involving emergency services and special needs.

Exemptions include vehicles of law enforcement agencies, armed forces, and administration, vehicles of accredited observers and newspapers, emergency service vehicles carrying medicine or healthcare supplies, vehicles transporting passengers to and from airports (subject to ticket verification), long‑distance passenger buses, one vehicle for each candidate and their election agents (subject to approval by the returning officer), and vehicles of BTRC and licensed telecommunications service providers.

The directive further noted that restrictions will be eased on national highways, ports, and major roads leading into or out of districts or metropolitan areas.

In addition, district magistrates or metropolitan police commissioners may impose or relax further restrictions depending on local realities and necessities.