If the proposed law for demarcating parliamentary constituencies is not approved, the national election will proceed under the existing framework, said Election Commissioner Md Anwarul Islam Sarkar.

"There was a printing mistake in the proposed law. The commission has sent amendments to the law ministry. Once we get the approval, we can carry out the delimitation work. If it is not approved, the election will be held based on the existing constituency arrangement."

The Election Commissioner made the remarks at a press briefing at the EC headquarters in the capital's Agargaon yesterday morning.

The briefing followed a meeting of the commission formed on six election-related issues, including the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies and the registration of political parties.

EC Anwarul told reporters that the draft of the electoral code of conduct for the next national election is nearly complete.

"Once the draft is finalised, we will place it before the commission. If the commission approves, it will be published."

Asked about the changes, the official said he could not provide details without the draft being approved first.

However, he mentioned that the use of posters by candidates campaigning in the next national election would be banned.

He said the decision was in line with the Election Reform Commission's proposal.

"We have incorporated almost all the proposals of the Election Reform Commission into the draft."

Asked whether political parties were engaged while preparing the draft, the EC said, "We will sit with stakeholders on a later date. The situation will guide us on what needs to be done."

Currently, there is a code of conduct for political parties and candidates. However, the EC has taken the initiative to revise it and formulate a new code of conduct.

The EC said that the new code of conduct for the national election is being formulated with the aim of keeping expenses to a minimum and ensuring that all candidates can campaign on an equal footing.

While responding to a query about holding the election by December, the EC said, "Yes, we do have a plan for when and what we will do. These meetings we are holding — this is also part of the planning."

About the use of social media in the days leading up to the election, he said, "We have proposed measures to keep rumours under control during the election period."

Regarding the April 20 deadline for parties to apply for registration, the EC said, "There has not been any decision to extend the deadline. However, we are prepared to facilitate parties seeking registration. So far one party has applied, while others are in the process of doing so."