Election Commission Proposes New Code of Conduct for Propaganda

The Election Commission (EC) has proposed a new provision with the objective of limiting the use of excessive flags during election campaigns. This new provision regarding the use of flags is included in the proposed Code of Conduct for the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21st.

According to the EC, any political party can use only 10 flags during public gatherings, rallies, corner meetings, or door-to-door campaigns it organizes. The EC has proposed this arrangement with the intention of preventing the misuse of party flags by using more than necessary.

The EC has specified that political parties or candidates may display a three by four feet party flag and a corresponding election symbol of the same size on a signboard or cloth at their office. 

However, beyond this, they are prohibited from placing any form of digital board, flex, or glow sign board, playing audio material, or displaying audio-visual material for the purpose of party propaganda.

The proposed Code of Conduct allows the use of 10 flags and election symbols, and only one banner or flex featuring the name and symbol of the political party and candidate. 

Furthermore, when going door-to-door for election campaigning, a procession of no more than 25 people including the candidate, proposer, and supporters is allowed. A provision is being introduced that prohibits the use of musical instruments and cultural tableaux (Jhãkis) during election campaigns.

Propaganda about the party or candidate is prohibited through mediums like online platforms, webpages, TV scrolling, displays in shopping malls, operating call centers, messages on bank ATMs and counters, or street plays, etc. 

However, political parties or candidates will not be restricted from placing such promotional materials on a maximum of one private and official webpage.

The creation or display of festoons made from party flags or party/candidate election symbols in public is not allowed. The proposed Code of Conduct prohibits wall writing of any kind, and the organization of rallies or campaigning using any type of vehicle, including four-wheelers, motorcycles, bicycles, bullock carts, rickshaws, tangas, or handcarts. 

The EC states that the Code of Conduct has been proposed to make the election clean, peaceful, and dignified.