EC bans posters, rallies in local govt election campaigns
It issues separate but largely identical codes of conduct for city corporations, district, upazila, municipalities and union councils.
The Election Commission (EC) has issued separate codes of conduct for upcoming local government elections, banning the use of posters, processions and public rallies during campaigns.
The codes, issued for elections to union parishads, municipalities, city corporations, upazila parishads and district parishads, were published on the EC's website today (7 September) with the signature of EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Speaking to journalists at the Election Commission building today, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said union parishad elections would be held on an upazila basis, with all unions within an upazila going to the polls on the same day.
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Although separate codes have been issued for the five types of local government elections, their provisions are largely identical.
The upcoming local government elections will be held on a non-party basis. The EC has formulated the new codes accordingly as it prepares for the polls, although the election schedule has not yet been finalised.
Under the new rules, candidates will not be allowed to use posters for campaign purposes, following a similar restriction imposed during the last parliamentary election. However, banners, festoons, handbills and billboards will be permitted within specified size limits.
Digital and social media campaigning will also be allowed. However, candidates will be barred from using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread misinformation, defame individuals or circulate false or hateful content.
Candidates must submit their online campaign account IDs and email addresses to the returning officer before starting digital campaigning.
Campaigning will not be allowed before the allocation of election symbols. Public rallies and processions will also remain prohibited.
During the submission of nomination papers, a candidate will be allowed to be accompanied by a maximum of five supporters.
Candidates and their supporters will also be prohibited from collecting voters' or their family members' personal National Identity Card (NID) numbers to influence voting decisions. Collecting mobile phone numbers for mobile financial service (MFS) transactions will also be prohibited.
The code allows candidates to use banners, leaflets, festoons and a limited number of billboards for campaigning. It also sets specific time limits for using loudspeakers and campaign vehicles.
Door-to-door canvassing, street-corner meetings and small indoor meetings will be allowed.
Violations of the code may result in imprisonment, fines or both. In serious cases, the EC will have the power to cancel a candidate's candidature.
The commission aims to begin local government elections towards the end of this year, with preparations underway to hold union parishad elections in the first phase.
According to EC sources, preparations are underway to hold elections in phases for various posts in 4,581 union parishads, 61 district parishads, 495 upazila parishads, 330 municipalities and 13 city corporations across the country.
