The Election Commission (EC) has allowed candidates to use caravans or mobile vehicles for election campaigning to make the upcoming referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election more festive. However, the commission has clearly stated that such campaigns must not disrupt traffic or cause public inconvenience.

The decision was conveyed through a letter signed by Senior Assistant Secretary of the EC Secretariat, Md Shahidul Islam. The letter was issued on Wednesday and sent to all returning officers across the country.

According to the letter, the commission has taken several decisions to ensure vibrant and engaging election campaigns ahead of the referendum and the parliamentary election scheduled for February 12. As per the new directive, candidates will be allowed to conduct campaigns using caravans or mobile vehicles decorated with digital technology or common biodegradable materials.

The EC, however, imposed specific conditions on the use of such caravans. It said that campaign activities must not obstruct vehicular movement, create traffic congestion, or cause inconvenience to the general public. Any activity that could disrupt law and order will also be strictly prohibited.

The commission has instructed returning officers to inform contesting candidates, executive magistrates responsible for enforcing the election code of conduct, law enforcement agencies, and all other relevant stakeholders about the decision.

Election officials said the move is part of a broader initiative to boost voter enthusiasm and participation. Allowing caravan-based campaigns is expected to give candidates an opportunity to reach voters in a more creative and modern way.

However, EC sources noted that the commission will closely monitor the implementation of the decision. In previous elections, campaign activities involving vehicles often led to complaints of traffic congestion, noise pollution, and public suffering. This time, the commission has warned that any violation of the conditions will result in action under the election code of conduct.

Political analysts believe that caravan-based campaigning could add a new dimension to electioneering, particularly in urban areas where visual and digital displays tend to attract voters’ attention more effectively. At the same time, they caution that its success will depend on careful management, especially on busy roads and in densely populated areas.

Earlier, the Election Commission had imposed restrictions on posters, banners, and large rallies as part of efforts to ensure disciplined and orderly campaigns. In that context, the decision to allow caravans is being seen as an alternative method of outreach within the existing regulatory framework.

With the referendum and the 13th National Parliamentary Election drawing closer, political activities across the country have intensified. Candidates are adopting various strategies to connect with voters and present their messages. How effectively the newly permitted caravan campaigns influence voter engagement and the overall election environment remains to be seen.