Posters banned in local elections, no restriction on social media campaigning

Under the new code of conduct, use of posters in election campaigning has been banned. However, there is scope to use banners, leaflets, festoons and billboards within specified sizes and limits. The time for using microphones and mobile vehicles in campaigning has also been fixed.

The maximum size of a banner is 10 feet by 4 feet, leaflets and handbills A4 size, festoons maximum 18 inches by 24 inches, and the promotional part of a billboard maximum 16 feet by 9 feet. For union parishad and city corporation elections, one billboard may be used per ward; for upazila parishad, one per union or municipality ward, with a maximum of 20; and for district council, one per police station or upazila.

Campaign materials must be black and white, and polythene coating or PVC may not be used for festoons and handbills. The date of printing must be mentioned on campaign materials. Election symbols cannot be more than six feet in length, width or height, and use of live animals in campaigning is prohibited.

From 12 noon until sunset, a maximum of one microphone or loudspeaker can be used. During the same period, campaigning can be carried out from a caravan or mobile vehicle. However, in district council elections, there was no provision for using microphones.

There is no restriction on social media campaigning. But the expenses of such campaigning must be shown in election expenses. Using artificial intelligence to spread fake information, distorted images or misleading content has also been prohibited.

With the aim of influencing voters, collecting their or their family members' personal national identity card numbers is not allowed. Collecting voters' mobile numbers for mobile financial services transactions is also prohibited.

Besides, the Prime Minister, Speaker, ministers, state ministers, members of parliament, leader of the opposition, mayors and other important persons have been barred from taking part in campaigning in favour of candidates. Apart from candidates, chairmen, mayors, administrators or persons in charge of local government bodies also cannot participate in election campaigning.

In case of violation of the code of conduct, there is a provision of maximum six months' imprisonment and a fine. For violation of rules in union parishad elections, the provision of maximum six months' imprisonment along with a fine of 10,000 taka remains.

The Election Commission said it plans to begin local government elections later this year.