EC seeks party feedback on draft local election code of conduct

The Election Commission (EC) has invited registered political parties to submit opinions on draft codes of conduct for local government elections, publishing the documents on its website and emailing them to all 56 registered parties. The deadline for submitting opinion is June 30. The EC published separate but nearly identical drafts for the five tiers of local bodies -- union parishad, municipality, upazila parishad, zilla parishad, and city corporation -- as part of preparations to hold the polls. The commission has said it expects to begin with UP elections in November, with the schedule to be announced in August.

Following the precedent set by the 13th National Parliamentary Election, where posters were banned for the first time in the country's electoral history, the draft extends the prohibition to local polls as well. Leaflets, handbills, festoons, and banners will be permitted, but only if made from biodegradable materials. Rexine, polythene, and plastic are explicitly excluded. On digital campaigning, the draft requires candidates, their election agents, or any other campaigner to register the names of platforms, account IDs, and email addresses with the returning officer before beginning any social media activity.

The use of artificial intelligence with dishonest intent is prohibited, including the creation or distribution of hate speech, misinformation, distorted images, or fabricated election-related content. Targeting communities based on race, religion, caste, gender, or ethnicity with inflammatory language or exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments for electoral gain is also barred. The draft bans processions or showdowns using trucks, buses, motorcycles, boats, or other vehicles, along with torch processions and the use of helicopters for campaigning. Motorcycles and vehicles are prohibited within designated polling areas.

However, digital caravans or mobile vehicles decorated with biodegradable materials may campaign between noon and sunset, provided they do not obstruct traffic. On sound amplification, no candidate or party may use more than one microphone or sound-amplifying device per ward for street meetings. Microphone use is restricted to between noon and sunset, and the sound level must not exceed 60 decibels. The EC has been vocal in recent months about its intent to hold local government elections in a credible and orderly manner.

The code of conduct consultation marks one of the more formal steps in that preparation process.