Draft polls code seeks to regulate digital campaigns

The Election Commission is likely to have a set of guidelines in its electoral code of conduct for the use of social media in campaigning.

The guidelines are aimed at curbing misinformation and promoting responsible online behaviour during electioneering.

A draft of the guidelines also introduces stricter provisions, including granting the commission the authority to disqualify candidates found guilty of serious violations.

Besides, it imposes a ban on posters and the use of any kind of plastic materials for campaigning.

The EC yesterday evening uploaded the draft code of conduct for political parties and candidates on its website, inviting citizens' feedback by July 10.

CAMPAIGN ON SOCIAL MEDIA

According to the draft, any candidate, chief election agent, or individual conducting election campaigning on social media must submit the name, account ID, email ID, and other identifying details of the relevant social media accounts to the returning officer before beginning such activities.

The draft strictly prohibits the creation and dissemination of harmful contents, including hate speech, misinformation, and fabricated election-related information. Banning of personal attacks or inflammatory language targeting opponents, minorities, or any group has been proposed. Disallowing the use of religious or ethnic sentiments for electoral gain has been proposed.

All election-related contents shared on social media must be fact-checked prior to publication. Furthermore, all forms of digital campaigning must stop 48 hours before the start of voting, the draft says.

All expenses related to digital campaigns, including content creation, advertising, boosting, and sponsorship, by a registered political party, its nominated candidate, an independent candidate, or any individual acting on their behalf, must be reported to the EC, it says. These expenses will be added to the candidate's total election expenditure.

The draft also prohibits any foreign-funded advertising or promotional activities on social media platforms during the campaign period.

If the use of social media violates the polls code, it will be a punishable offence in line with law that deals with cyber security issues.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen (retd) Abul Fazal Sanaullah said the provision to cancel the candidacy is being included for the first time.

The draft has a provision that allows the EC to cancel candidature in line with the Representation of the People Order, 1972.

According to article 91 (1) of the RPO, if the EC receives information that a candidate, their agent, or someone acting on their behalf has committed a serious offence or violated election rules -- directly or with their consent -- the EC can launch an investigation. The candidate will get a fair chance to respond to the allegation.

If the probe finds the candidate guilty, the EC can cancel that individual's candidacy.

As of now, the highest punishment for violation of the electoral code of conduct is six months in prison and a fine of Tk 50,000. For a political party, the highest fine is Tk 50,000.

The provision for imprisonment remains unchanged, Sanaullah said, but the fine will be raised to Tk 1.5 lakh.

"This was one of the recommendations from the Electoral Reform Commission," Sanaullah said.

Campaign posters will be prohibited, according to the draft code, which also bans the use of plastic or any other environmentally harmful materials for wrapping banners and other campaign items.

The draft makes it mandatory for all political parties and candidates to formally commit to abide by the code while submitting their nomination papers.

Besides, members of the advisory council will not be able to take part in any election campaign as the advisers, ministers, and lawmakers are now in a category of "very important persons".

Candidates can join televised election dialogue, but no one will be allowed to attack their opponents personally, according to the draft.