Lawmakers will not be able join campaigns for local government polls in their own constituencies, says the Election Commission adding other MPs will be allowed.
The announcement from Chief Election Commission (CEC) KM Nurul Huda came on Tuesday, four days after the EC cleared an amendment to the code of conduct for city corporation polls lifting the bar on MPs.
Speaking to the media, Huda said, “The local government polls are now held in party lines, which was not the case earlier. So, party supporters and activists now need to take part in campaigns. Besides that, the constitution gives every one the right to take part in rally or travel. So we have revised that clause.”
The EC arranged a news conference after announcing the schedule for elections to Rajshahi, Barishal and Sylhet cities with voting to be held on Jul 30.
On MPs influencing the polls, the CEC replied, “MPs are not entitled to state facilities. And parliament membership is not an office of profit. So we think there’s no chance of negative impact.”
Explaining the decision behind barring local MPs, Election Commissioner Rafiqul Islam said, “They are authorised to distribute aid and grants. Besides that, they act as head of some of the local institutions.”
“So, we excluded them, but they will able to vote.”
He added that they are still reviewing the proposed amendments for the city polls code of conduct.
The Election Commission, however, made it clear on Tuesday that they will gradually allow MPs to take part in campaigns for all local government polls, like the Upazila council and Union council.

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