Propaganda ban starts for Turkey's local elections

Starting from 5 p.m. on March 30, the propaganda prohibition has come into effect for Turkey's local elections scheduled for March 31. According to the election law and the Supreme Election Council, no independent news or broadcasts on the elections shall be permitted until 9 p.m. on election day.

Duvar English

As of 5 p.m. local time on March 30, propaganda ban has started across Turkey ahead of the local elections to be held on March 31. The voting process will start at 8 a.m and end at 5 p.m. across the country, except for 32 provinces in the east which will vote between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m..

According to the election law and the Supreme Election Council (YSK) decision, the 24-hour propaganda ban, which prohibits all news and broadcasts related to the election and election results, will be relaxed one hour after the polls close.

The media can only broadcast news and notifications coming from the YSK between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 31. After 9 p.m. all broadcasts will be free. Broadcasts might be allowed before 9 p.m. if the YSK deems it necessary.

Accordingly, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from 6 a.m on March 31 until the midnight. All public entertainment places will remain closed on election day.

No one will be able to carry a gun in residential areas except those in charge of protecting security and public order.