Are mobile phones banned at polling stations across South Asia?
The rules vary by country, reflecting both security concerns and the desire to regulate voter conduct.
Mobile phones are banned in polling stations across South Asia, with authorities citing the need to maintain ballot secrecy, prevent voter coercion, and ensure overall security during elections.
Bite-Sized: Which countries ban mobile phones at polling centres and why?
Across the region, the bans reflect the need to safeguard democratic processes. Election authorities emphasise that the measures are intended to maintain secrecy, security, and the orderly conduct of voting rather than limit personal freedoms.
The rules vary by country, reflecting both security concerns and the desire to regulate voter conduct.
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Afghanistan
Mobile phones have been strictly prohibited inside polling centres during past democratic elections, including in 2014, said Freedom House. Authorities said the restrictions were intended to ensure security and prevent technology from being used to coordinate attacks or intimidate voters.
In September 2025, the Taliban's supreme leader issued orders to restrict smartphone use and internet connectivity nationwide.
While formal "elections" are currently suspended, any localised voting or shura (consultative) processes are governed by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which often ban camera phones in sensitive areas to prevent "visual vice" and maintain security, said The Strait Times.
Bangladesh
Voters are not allowed to enter polling centres or remain within a 400-yard radius of centres with mobile phones during the upcoming national election scheduled for 12 February.
The Election Commission has said that the measure is intended to regulate conduct during the referendum and national parliamentary elections. Only presiding officers and authorised security personnel using a dedicated "Election Security 2026" application are exempt.
Bhutan
Phones are prohibited inside the voting compartment, but may be allowed elsewhere in the polling station. The rule is intended to protect voting secrecy, with voters strictly forbidden from photographing their marked ballot papers, according to the Election Commission of Bhutan.
India
Mobile phones are banned inside polling station rooms, and in some areas, such as Pune and Maval, the restriction extends to a 100-meter radius.
Election officials cited multiple reasons for the ban, including the enforcement of Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which ensures voting secrecy, and to prevent voters from taking videos of themselves voting and sharing them on social media.
For the 2025 Bihar polls, the Election Commission introduced mobile deposit facilities — pigeonhole boxes or jute bags — outside the polling room for voters who bring phones.
Maldives
Restrictions apply within polling booth areas to prevent voters from photographing marked ballot papers.
Authorities said this measure is aimed at reducing electoral fraud, specifically to prevent voters from proving how they voted in cases of vote-buying or coercion, says the Election Commission of Maldives.
Nepal
Mobile phones are prohibited at polling stations on Election Day. The Nepal Election Commission categorises phones as "prohibited goods", along with matchboxes, lighters, and cameras, to ensure compliance with election laws and instructions from officials.
Pakistan
Voters, election agents, and polling agents are not allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling stations during polling hours.
The chief election commissioner issued the restriction to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.
Sri Lanka
Mobile phones are banned in both polling and counting centres on election day. Authorities urged voters to leave phones at home to prevent complications and maintain regulated conduct for voters, agents, and monitors during the preferential voting process.
