What is allowed and what is not in election campaigning

With election fever sweeping the country, all eyes are now on 12 February, a day that will mark two critical tests at once. On that day, voters will elect their representatives through the 13th national parliamentary election, while also taking part in a referendum to determine the outline of a new constitution.

From neighbourhood streets to digital screens, campaign activities are now in full swing. This time, however, electioneering looks noticeably different from previous polls. The Election Commission (EC) has introduced major changes to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) and the Code of Conduct, bringing both new approaches and strict restrictions.

Under the “Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates 2025”, candidates are required to follow strict guidelines throughout the campaign period. The EC has said all candidates will enjoy equal rights in campaigning, but has also drawn clear red lines.

Obstructing rival rallies, processions or campaign activities, creating fear among voters, or causing disorder are strictly prohibited, according to the guidelines.

Campaign programmes must be notified in advance to the relevant authorities so that schedules can be coordinated if necessary. No rallies or meetings may be held on roads or public thoroughfares that disrupt public movement. Campaigning outside the country has been completely banned.

The EC has imposed stringent restrictions on the use of leaflets, posters and banners. The use of posters or non-biodegradable materials -- such as polythene, plastic or rexine -- is prohibited. Posting leaflets or festoons on walls, trees, electric poles, or on any government or private vehicles is also banned.

Except for electronic and digital media, all banners and festoons used in campaigns must be black and white. Banners may not exceed 10 feet by 4 feet, while festoons must be limited to 18 inches by 24 inches. Only the candidate’s own photograph and electoral symbol may be displayed; no images of other individuals are allowed.

Writing or drawing campaign messages on walls is forbidden, as is the construction of gates or arches. Candidates are also barred from placing their banners, festoons or billboards over those of rival candidates, or from damaging, distorting or destroying any campaign materials.

In terms of transport, the use of trucks, buses, watercraft or motorcycles for rallies, public meetings or showdowns is prohibited. Torch processions are completely banned. While party chiefs or general secretaries may use helicopters for travel, throwing leaflets or campaign materials from helicopters is not allowed.

Billboards may be used for campaigning, but their size must not exceed 16 feet by 9 feet. Alternatively, candidates may use one billboard per union or ward, with a maximum of 20 billboards per parliamentary constituency.

In digital campaigning, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to distort someone’s appearance, spread misinformation, or disseminate hate speech will be treated as a punishable offence. Election-related content may not be shared or published on social media without verifying its authenticity. Candidates and their election agents must submit details of their social media accounts to the returning officer before campaigning begins.

The EC has also instructed candidates to refrain from personal attacks, obscene remarks, or any activities that may hurt women, minorities or religious sentiments. Campaigning is strictly prohibited in places of worship --including mosques, temples, churches and pagodas -- as well as in educational institutions.

The use of loudspeakers or microphones is permitted between 2pm and 8pm, with a maximum of three microphones or loudspeakers at a time, and sound levels must not exceed 60 decibels.

Voting for both the parliamentary election and the referendum will be held on 12 February, from 7:30am to 4:30pm, using ballot papers and transparent ballot boxes. Campaigning officially began on 22 January and will continue until 7:30am on 10 February.