With the thirteenth National Parliamentary Election and the associated referendum approaching, political activity across the country has intensified markedly. Although polling day is scheduled for 12 February, the Election Commission (EC) has made it clear that this election will be conducted under a far more rigorous enforcement of electoral regulations than in previous cycles. Campaigning officially commenced on 22 January and, under the rules, must cease entirely by midnight on 10 February—exactly 48 hours before voting begins.
At the heart of the EC’s new approach is the Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025, which places unprecedented emphasis on environmental protection and orderly campaigning. The most striking and widely discussed provision is the outright ban on posters. Article 7(a) of the code unequivocally states that no posters may be used for electioneering under any circumstances. This prohibition applies equally to registered political parties, nominated candidates, independent contenders and anyone campaigning on their behalf.
Environmental considerations are further reinforced in Article 7(b), which forbids the printing or distribution of leaflets, banners or handbills made from environmentally harmful or easily degradable materials. Items produced using rexine, polythene or plastic fall squarely within this ban. In addition, Article 7(c) mandates that, apart from electronic or digital campaigning, all printed campaign materials must be produced strictly in black and white. Colour printing, a long-standing feature of election publicity, is now entirely prohibited.
The Commission has also imposed precise limits on the size, colour scheme and permitted imagery of campaign materials. Regardless of whether banners are displayed horizontally or vertically, they must remain within the specified dimensions. Only the candidate’s photograph and electoral symbol may be shown, and no additional images, slogans or decorative elements are allowed.
The authorised specifications for campaign materials are outlined below:
| Campaign Material | Maximum Size | Colour Requirement | Permitted Images/Symbols |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banner | 10 ft × 4 ft | Black and white | Candidate’s photo and symbol |
| Leaflet/Handbill | A4 size | Black and white | Candidate’s photo and symbol |
| Festoon | 18 in × 24 in | Black and white | Candidate’s photo and symbol |
To ensure effective enforcement of the poster ban, the EC has issued direct warnings to printing presses and publishing houses nationwide. In a public notice signed by the Commission’s Director of Public Relations, it was acknowledged that posters have already been observed in certain areas—an act described as a clear violation of the code and a punishable offence. All printing establishments have therefore been instructed, in the strongest terms, not to produce any election posters.
According to the Election Commission, these stringent measures are designed to promote a disciplined, equitable and environmentally responsible electoral process. By reducing visual pollution, limiting waste and curbing excessive spending, the EC aims to create a level playing field for all candidates. Political parties and contenders have been urged to respect both the letter and the spirit of the law, and to cooperate fully in ensuring a credible, transparent and sustainable election.