Staff Correspondent:

The Election Commission has introduced new campaign rules for the upcoming 13th national election, banning posters and limiting the number of billboards each candidate can use.

Under the draft code of conduct, a candidate can put up a maximum of 20 billboards in their constituency, with sizes restricted to 16 feet by 9 feet. The code also imposes restrictions on the use of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) during campaigns.

The rules, sent to the law ministry for vetting, align with proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

The code bans the use of drones, quadcopters and similar devices on polling day and throughout the campaign. It also prohibits in-person campaigning abroad for any candidate.

Special provisions have been added to tackle cyberbullying of women and to penalise the spread of misinformation or propaganda using AI.

“What was in the Code of Conduct has now been brought under the law. Violations can lead to six months’ imprisonment for candidates, while political parties may face fines of up to Tk 150,000,” said Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah.

However, he noted the difficulties in monitoring the use of AI in campaigns.

“The line is so thin now that it’s hard to tell what is AI and what is not. Many features on our phones are AI-driven. But no violation of the code will be tolerated using social media or AI,” he said.

CAMPAIGN RULES AT A GLANCE

• Billboards: Maximum of 20 per candidate and only digital billboards can use electric lighting. Other illumination is banned.
• Voter slips: Can be distributed by candidates or institutions but cannot carry a candidate’s name, picture, post, or symbol.
• Campaign materials: Must be eco-friendly. Polythene and rexine are prohibited.
• Noise levels: Must remain within 60 decibels.
• Campaign period: Limited to three weeks.
• VIPs restricted: Members of the government’s Advisory Council added to the list of officials barred from campaigning.
• Pledges required: Political parties must sign undertakings to comply with the code.
• Candidacy cancellation: For serious violations, the EC can cancel a candidate’s nomination under Section 91 of the RPO.

The EC has also directed returning officers to arrange sessions where all candidates in a constituency can present their manifestos on a single stage.