In the upcoming national parliamentary elections, a candidate in any constituency will not be allowed to use more than a specified number of billboards during their campaign. According to the Election Commission (EC), a maximum of 20 billboards can be used by a single candidate. This rule has been included in the code of conduct for political parties and candidates.
The EC cited several reasons for limiting billboard use. Producing billboards involves significant expenditure, and unrestricted use could cause candidates to exceed their election spending limits. Additionally, excessive billboards may lead to disorder among candidates and environmental degradation. These factors were considered when setting the limit.
Senior Secretary of the EC, Akhtar Ahmed, said, “This regulation has been included in the code of conduct for political parties and candidates.”
Regarding billboard use, the EC’s Representation of the People Order states that only digital billboards with lighting may use electricity, while other forms of illuminated decoration are prohibited.
Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah noted that billboard usage in campaigns was not previously regulated, and this is the first time it has been incorporated into the code of conduct. The EC has also redefined the use of banners and festoons. A proposal to discontinue posters, suggested by the Reforms Commission, has also been accepted by the EC.
He added that members of the Advisory Council have been included in the list of highly important government beneficiaries. As a result, they cannot participate in campaigns on behalf of any candidate. Restrictions have also been imposed on their use of government facilities, including circuit houses, dak bungalows, and rest houses, during the election period.