The directive takes effect from 6pm on January 13, 2026, and will remain in place for a period to be determined by the authorities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the regulator directed all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to comply with the order.
The suspension affects public internet access, the sale and registration of SIM cards, as well as outbound data roaming services. However, UCC made it clear that essential services will not be affected.
According to the commission, critical sectors such as healthcare, banking, and government operations have been exempted from the shutdown to ensure that vital services continue to run smoothly during the election period.
Emergency communications and other key public interest services are also expected to remain operational.
The directive follows what UCC described as a strong recommendation from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.
The committee reportedly advised that temporary restrictions were necessary to safeguard the electoral process and maintain public order at a sensitive time for the country.
UCC explained that the main goal of the shutdown is to curb the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation online.
The commission said false information shared through digital platforms can mislead voters, create confusion, and damage trust in the electoral process.
Authorities are also concerned about the use of online platforms to coordinate electoral fraud or spread messages that could incite violence.
“The temporary suspension is intended to protect public confidence, maintain national security, and support a peaceful election environment,” the commission said in its statement.
UCC added that similar measures have been used in past elections in the region when security agencies identified serious risks linked to unchecked online activity.