EC bans posters, drones, and overseas campaigns ahead of national polls

Election Commission (EC) has announced a sweeping ban on the use of posters, drones, and overseas campaign activities ahead of the upcoming national election, as part of the newly gazetted electoral code of conduct released on Monday (November 10).

According to the updated regulations, candidates will now be permitted to display a maximum of 20 billboards within their respective constituencies. For the first time, all types of posters—regardless of material—have been completely prohibited.

The EC emphasized that only eco-friendly campaign materials are acceptable, banning the use of polythene, PVC, and rexine.

The new code also sets a strict noise limit, capping campaign sound levels at 60 decibels.

Additionally, the use of drones or similar aerial devices during campaigns and on election day has been forbidden.

The EC further barred any form of public rally or promotional activity conducted abroad.

Strict rules have also been introduced for social media campaigning. Candidates and their election agents must now submit details of their social media accounts to the returning officer prior to campaigning. The dissemination of false information, hate speech, or AI-generated misleading content will be treated as a punishable offense.

Violations of the electoral code may lead to imprisonment for up to six months or fines of up to Tk 1.5 lakh. Political parties could face similar penalties, and the EC reserves the authority to cancel a candidate’s nomination for serious breaches of the code.

In a notable reform, the commission has introduced IT-supported postal voting for expatriates and specific voter groups. It has also mandated the declaration of a joint manifesto and a commitment to compliance from all participating parties.

The EC stated that with these reforms, all updates to electoral laws—including those governing voter lists, election observers, media access, and polling center management—have been completed ahead of the national polls.