Don�t breach poll code

EC urges heads of political parties

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday requested the top political leaders, including the heads of political parties, not to violate the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming municipality polls.
Though the heads of political parties can participate in the campaign for the municipal elections, the commission warned them not to take part in public rallies.
The commission warned them that it would take stern action against anyone who violates the electoral code of conduct.
“There is no obstruction to holding wayside meetings, but such meetings should not be turned into processions or public rallies. Please don’t violate the law. We will have to take measures if anybody violates rules. It won’t be pleasant,” election commissioner Md Shah Nawaz told media-persons when asked about the position of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. He was talking to journalists at his office in the EC secretariat in the capital.
The electoral code of conduct bans the participation of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, ministers, lawmakers and city corporation mayors from campaigning on behalf of the respective party candidates. However, the code does not prevent the chiefs of political parties to take part in the election campaigns.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her special envoy, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, cannot take part in the election campaign under the election rules, although they are the heads of their respective parties.
Under the election rules, the permission of police administration is necessary at least 24 hours prior to the function if wayside rallies or homestead meetings are to be held. If the rules are violated, there is a maximum penalty of six months’ jail or a fine of Tk. 50,000 or both. If any political party breaches the law, there is a fine of Tk. 50,000. Under the electoral code of conduct, the candidates can start their campaign 21 days before the day of the elections.

Don�t breach poll code

EC urges heads of political parties

The Election Commission (EC) yesterday requested the top political leaders, including the heads of political parties, not to violate the electoral code of conduct in the upcoming municipality polls. Though the heads of political parties can participate in the campaign for the municipal elections, the commission warned them not to take part in public rallies. The commission warned them that it would take stern action against anyone who violates the electoral code of conduct. There is no obstruction to holding wayside meetings, but such meetings should not be turned into processions or public rallies. Please dont violate the law. We will have to take measures if anybody violates rules. It wont be pleasant, election commissioner Md Shah Nawaz told media-persons when asked about the position of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. He was talking to journalists at his office in the EC secretariat in the capital. The electoral code of conduct bans the participation of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, ministers, lawmakers and city corporation mayors from campaigning on behalf of the respective party candidates. However, the code does not prevent the chiefs of political parties to take part in the election campaigns. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her special envoy, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, cannot take part in the election campaign under the election rules, although they are the heads of their respective parties. Under the election rules, the permission of police administration is necessary at least 24 hours prior to the function if wayside rallies or homestead meetings are to be held. If the rules are violated, there is a maximum penalty of six months jail or a fine of Tk. 50,000 or both. If any political party breaches the law, there is a fine of Tk. 50,000. Under the electoral code of conduct, the candidates can start their campaign 21 days before the day of the elections.