Staff Correspondent:

The draft of the new Code of Conduct for parliamentary elections is nearly final, with an eye towards ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, said Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the code of conduct committee at the Election Commission headquarters on Monday (April 7), the commissioner, who chairs the committee, said, “The draft is almost final. The next step is to present it before the Election Commission. Once approved, it will be officially published.”

He said most of the recommendations made by the Electoral Reform Commission have been incorporated into the draft code of conduct.

“The reform commission’s proposals are included. We have also taken initiatives to incorporate issues raised during local government elections and in the media. We expect this to become a well-structured and commendable code of conduct,” said Anwarul.

He refrained from sharing further details as the draft has not yet been finalised.

The election commissioner said the new guidelines would aim to keep election spending to a minimum while allowing campaigns to be conducted in an orderly manner.

“We want a code of conduct that reflects an attitude where all candidates can equally engage in campaigning, ensuring a level playing field,” he added.

The proposed draft also includes provisions to keep election campaigns on social media platforms under regulation.

It will contain strict punitive measures to ensure adherence to the code of conduct.

The commissioner confirmed that the draft is being finalised even before holding discussions with political parties.

When asked about finalising the draft without party opinions, he said, “We will sit with all stakeholders at a later stage. Based on the situation at that time, further actions will be determined.”

Anwarul Islam also said preparations are underway for elections in December.

In response to a query, the commissioner stated that a proposal regarding the redrawing of constituency boundaries has been sent to the government.

“We have not received approval yet. If the government amends the law, we will proceed accordingly. Otherwise, the commission will prepare for elections using the existing boundaries,” he added.