EC allows caravan campaigns for referendum, national polls
However, the commission has imposed strict conditions, stating that such campaigns must not disrupt traffic, cause public suffering, or create any law-and-order situation.
The Election Commission (EC) has approved the use of caravan or mobile vehicle-based campaigning ahead of the upcoming referendum and the 13th national election, aiming to make electioneering more vibrant and engaging for voters.
However, the commission has imposed strict conditions, stating that such campaigns must not disrupt traffic, cause public suffering, or create any law-and-order situation.
In an office order issued on Wednesday (4 February), the EC said caravan campaigns may be conducted using digital displays or perishable materials installed on vehicles, as per the code of conduct.
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A letter signed by EC Senior Assistant Secretary Md Shahidul Islam instructed returning officers (ROs), executive magistrates responsible for enforcing election rules, candidates, and others to ensure proper implementation of the decision.
The directive emphasised that election campaigning – regardless of format – must prioritise public interest and adhere strictly to existing laws and regulations.
Stricter rules for social media campaigning
In a separate order, the EC has taken a stance on social media campaigning for both the referendum and the election.
From now on, candidates and political parties will be required to submit detailed information on all social media accounts and pages used for electioneering to the respective ROs before launching any online campaign.
They must also provide a full breakdown of campaign-related expenditures paid on digital platforms.
Confirming the matter, Md Ruhul Amin Mollik, director (Public Relations) of the EC Secretariat, told the media that letters outlining the new requirements have already been sent to all ROs to prevent misinformation, curb online propaganda, and maintain transparency in election spending.
Mandatory disclosure under electoral rules
According to the EC letter, under rule 16 of the Political Parties and Candidates' Code of Conduct-2025, candidates, their election agents, or any individual campaigning on their behalf may engage in social media promotion.
However, before doing so, they must submit the name of the platform, account ID, email address, and all relevant identification details to the ROs.
Additionally, rule 22(2) stipulates that all costs related to social media campaigning – including content creation, paid advertisements, boosted posts, and sponsorships – must be included in the candidate's total election expenditure.
A complete and accurate account of such spending must be submitted to the EC.
The EC has also instructed ROs to collect detailed information on the social media platforms used by candidates and forward the data to the EC Secretariat.
