EC for barring loud speaker, rally in Zila Parishad polls campaign

The Election Commission has finalised the draft of the election code of conduct barring the use of loud speaker, holding public rally and even procession during the campaign in the upcoming Zila Parishad (district council) polls likely to be held on December 28 next.

The proposed election code of conduct for the Zila Parishad is currently awaiting vetting at the law ministry. Indoor meeting is the only option of electioneering for the candidates in the election where only public representatives of the local bodies --Union Parishads, municipalities, Upazila Parishads and City Corporations, if any-are voters.

The commission has proposed the restrictions on the electioneering considering that it is indirect election where all public representatives of the local bodies under the district concerned will elect a 21-member representative of a Zila Parishad (district council).

"Candidates should not be allowed to use loud speakers, hold public rally and to bring out procession as the number of voters is limited. Common people are not voters here. Only local government representatives will elect district council representatives," said Election Commissioner Shah Nawaz.

Officials of the EC Secretariat said the Law Ministry is likely to send the Zila Parishad (Election Code of Conduct) Rules 2016 along with the Zila Parishad Election Rules 2016 within the next few days after completing vetting process. Subsequently, the commission will finalise the two rules publishing in gazettes.

As the election is going to be held in non-partisan manner unlike other local body polls, no portrait of any political or religious leaders can be used on the posters. Only portrait of candidates can be used in the posters.

A candidate cannot install more than one election camp in each Upazila or Thana. However, use helicopter in campaign will be allowed.

Like other local body elections, ministerrs, MPs and other VVIPs will not allowed to participate in the electioneering.