EC to finalise local poll code of conduct on July 21

The Election Commission (EC) will finalise the draft code of conduct for elections to five categories of local government institutions at its commission meeting on July 21. 

The draft, published on June 10, received only 11 submissions from political parties, individuals and other stakeholders. Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud said the feedback led to only a few minor revisions, with no major changes expected.

The EC will not hold consultations with political parties or other stakeholders before finalising the code, saying such discussions are more appropriate in Parliament.

The proposed code includes stricter provisions allowing the EC to immediately disqualify a candidate or their election agent through a written order for serious violations of the code of conduct. It also proposes shorter campaign periods, tighter regulation of election-related activities on social media and restrictions on the use of sound systems and microphones during campaigning.

The draft further recommends barring MPO-listed educational institution teachers, dual citizens, loan defaulters and guarantors of defaulted loans from contesting local government elections. It also proposes increasing candidates’ security deposits while removing the requirement for independent candidates to collect signatures from one percent of voters.

The EC expects local government elections to begin with Union Parishad polls in the first half of October, with the election schedule likely to be announced by the end of August. Ballot boxes and election personnel are already prepared, while discussions are underway to reduce election costs.