EC moves for local polls with unified code of conduct

The Election Commission is preparing a comprehensive roadmap for upcoming local government elections, with plans to introduce a uniform code of conduct for all five tiers of local bodies.

The proposed reforms include a ban on posters, restrictions on the misuse of artificial intelligence and social media, higher security deposits and measures to prevent undue influence by lawmakers during the polls.

An EC meeting was held on Thursday and discussed the proposed changes, Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud told the reporters.

He said preparations for holding local government elections had already begun, although final arrangements were yet to be completed.

Before announcing the polls schedule, the EC is preparing a roadmap considering amendments to relevant laws, rules and policies, budget allocations, administrative readiness and seasonal factors.

The commission has already taken steps to revise the separate election codes for city corporations, municipalities, zila parishads, upazila parishads and union parishads.

EC officials said the commission has, in principle, decided to make the code of conduct for local government elections largely similar to the one used in the recent 13th parliamentary election.

Following the implementation of the parliamentary election code during the February 12 general election, the commission now plans to include similar provisions in local government polls, including restrictions on posters.

“I think there should be a single code of conduct for all local government bodies. I will place a proposal in this regard,” Masud said.

He said the proposed code would include a ban on posters and restrictions on the misuse of AI and social media in election campaigns.

Senior officials of the EC Secretariat have already been instructed to prepare draft amendments to the election codes and conduct rules for city corporations, municipalities, district councils, upazila parishads and union parishads.

EC officials said the ban on posters during the parliamentary election produced positive results.

The same approach may now be applied to local polls to reduce environmental pollution and modernise traditional campaign practices.

Ahead of the last general election, the EC issued the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates in Parliamentary Elections Rules, 2025, banning posters, helicopters and drones, and prohibiting the misuse of AI and social media in campaigns.

Under the parliamentary code, posters are completely prohibited.

Campaign materials such as pamphlets, leaflets, handbills, festoons and banners made from non-biodegradable materials, including rexine, polythene and plastic, are also banned.

However, candidates are allowed to install a maximum of 20 billboards in a constituency, each not exceeding 16 feet by 9 feet.
The code also bars the malicious use of AI in campaign activities.

Hate speech, misinformation, manipulated images, fabricated election-related information and inflammatory content targeting opponents, women, minorities or any other group are prohibited on social media platforms.

Punishment for violating the parliamentary election code was also strengthened, with the maximum penalty increased to six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Tk 1.5 lakh, up from the previous fine of Tk 50,000.

EC officials said the commission is also considering measures to prevent members of parliament from exerting influence in local government elections, as the upcoming polls are expected to be held without political party symbols.

Masud said parliament has already passed laws allowing local government elections to be held using non-party electoral symbols.

“We have received copies of the laws, but the commission has not yet decided when the elections will begin. For now, we are keeping preparations in place,” he said.

With the government setting up designated “visiting rooms” for MPs at upazila parishad complexes, the EC is considering provisions to prevent lawmakers from influencing local polls from those offices.

The commission is also planning changes to nomination forms, including mandatory disclosure of overseas assets in affidavits.

Officials said the EC is preparing on the assumption that local government elections may begin at the end of this year.

During the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference on May 5, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin and four election commissioners instructed field administrators to prepare for local polls and maintain standards similar to those of parliamentary elections.

According to EC estimates, elections to 12 city corporations, over 450 upazila parishads, more than 300 municipalities and 61 zila parishads are already overdue and can be held immediately without legal complications.

Besides, the legal timeframe for holding elections to around 600 union parishads began in April, making polls mandatory by October.

The 180-day countdown for elections to more than 2,800 additional union parishads will begin by July.

The EC will be able to announce election schedules once it receives a green signal from the Local Government Division.

The government has indicated that local government elections may begin toward the end of the year.