Coffee Houses Closed, Alcohol Forbidden on Local Election Day

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Electoral prohibitions and limitations to be imposed by the Supreme Election Council (YSK) on General Local Elections on March 31, 2019 were published on the Official Gazette today (January 9).

Alcohol forbidden

Accordingly, between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. on March 31, under no circumstances will it be allowed to sell alcohol or give or drink any type of alcoholic beverages in public places or places selling alcoholic drinks.

Cafes and coffee houses closed

Throughout the voting period on March 31, public places of entertainment such as cafes, coffee houses and internet cafes will be closed. The restaurants having the characteristics of an entertainment place will solely be permitted to serve food during the voting period.

Wedding ceremonies to be held after 6 p.m.

On the local election day, citizens will be allowed to hold wedding ceremonies after 6 p.m. on the condition that they abide by the stated electoral limitations and prohibitions.

Bearing arms forbidden as well

No citizens, except for the ones assigned to keep security and order, will be permitted to bear arms indicated in the Article no. 6 of the Turkish Penal Code no. 5237 in villages, towns and provinces.

News, predictions, comments forbidden

On local election day, radios and all types of media organs will be prohibited from making any broadcasts containing news, predictions or comments regarding the elections and their results until 6 p.m.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., only the news and notices to be communicated by the YSK can be broadcast on radios and other media organs.

Broadcast ban to end at 9 p.m.

All broadcasts will be free after 9 p.m. on election day; however, in the event that it is considered necessary by the Supreme Election Council, it can end the ban at an earlier hour. (HK/SD)