Election campaigning must go green

Candidates from different political parties for the 13th parliamentary elections have already started trying to make their presence felt, even before announcement of election schedules by the Election Commission. They are quite eager to reach the voters, and their supporters have already started disfiguring the city skylines with large billboard, banners, posters and graffiti.

The city has already lost much of its greenery to unplanned urbanisation. Whatever green spaces still exist are obscured by soaring publicity offensive and tools used for the purpose such as billboards, banners and posters, hung indiscriminately here and there by different groups, individuals and institutions. With the elections around the corner, this existing problem of visual pollution, which is also a source of mental disturbance, is set to grow worse.

Although the Election Commission has introduced new campaign rules, banning posters and limiting each candidate to a maximum of 20 billboards, these rules have been observed more in the breach than in its observance. Even though the election is still more than three months away and the official campaign period is scheduled to begin only three weeks before polling day as per EC guidelines, almost all roadside structures in areas such as Jatrabari, Paltan, Gulistan, Shahbagh and Farmgate have already been flooded with large billboards and posters.

Even the metro rail pillars have not been spared, as they too are plastered with large banners and campaign materials. Posters and banners are also popping up even in narrow alleys, and very few roadside walls remain free of graffiti. Property owners complain that they cannot keep their boundary walls clean for even a single day after repainting, as posters and graffiti reappear almost overnight. And yet, they say cannot do anything about it as those responsible for this offence are influential people.

It is deeply regrettable that aspiring members of parliament, who are expected to lead by example, show little regard for public sentiment. They seem indifferent to the fact that building and shop owners may not share their political views, and even if they do, they are unlikely to appreciate seeing their walls defaced by campaign materials.

Moreover, elections generate an enormous amount of waste from campaign materials. Candidates apparently spend huge amount of money in producing these traditional election campaign materials. These materials are discarded shortly after polling. They have almost no societal benefits either. At the same time, in this era of social media dominance, voters are increasingly unlikely to be swayed solely by a candidate's banners and posters.

Moreover, as the cities lack the infrastructure to recycle or safely dispose of such vast quantities of plastic, the campaign materials litter streets, rivers and drainage systems, causing severe water pollution and harming aquatic ecosystems. According to the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), approximately 27,000 tonnes of plastic-wrapped posters, banners, cards, and leaflets were used during the 12th national elections. Dhaka alone accounted for 17,000 tonnes of plastic waste.

The last general election was one-sided. This time, with heightened competition among multiple parties and candidates, the volume of campaign materials is expected to be far higher. Considering this, it was encouraging to see that the Election Commission in June proposing a set of environmentally friendly campaigning measures, including the use of eco-friendly materials, a ban on polythene and rexine, a complete prohibition on posters, restrictions on banners, and a noise limit of 60 decibels for loudspeakers. Unfortunately, members of different political parties have already started flouting those restrictions.

As climate change intensifies and Bangladesh faces growing threats from floods, rising sea levels and extreme weather events, it is crucial that the Election Commission and political parties take responsibility for reducing the waste generated through election campaign. Implementing environmentally conscious campaign strategies by utilising technology such as telecommunication and social media is essential to safeguarding public health and social well-being. By broadcasting speeches, discussions, and election manifesto online, parties and candidates can reach a broader audience and enable citizens to participate from anywhere. This interactive approach not only promotes inclusivity but also encourages active public engagement in a greener, more sustainable electoral process.

At the same time, by adopting sustainable campaign practices, including banning single-use plastics and PVC materials and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives, aspiring MP candidates have the opportunity to move towards a greener, cleaner electoral process that protects both urban and natural environments. Campaign through online platforms, televised debates and digital manifestos can not only minimise the massive paper and plastic waste generated during campaigns but also foster more substantive, issue-based political discourse. Such a shift would empower voters to make informed choices based on policy and performance rather than mere visibility, while simultaneously supporting a more sustainable and environmentally responsible democratic process.

A green election campaign that prioritises environmental protection can bring numerous benefits to society. It can help create cleaner surroundings and foster a more peaceful community free from noise pollution. Maintaining clean public spaces also contributes positively to the psychological and physical well-being of citizens, promoting a healthier and more peaceful living environment. MP candidates, who aspire to lead the country in the future, should demonstrate a good sense of civic responsibility and a better understanding of urban aesthetics by conducting environmentally friendly election campaigns that reduce their carbon footprint and avoid causing public nuisance.

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