Municipal poll candidates get list of dos and don’ts

JEDDAH: Candidates contesting the municipal council elections later this year are banned from using the state logo and flag, mosques, public buildings and sports clubs in their campaigns.
The prohibitions include religious and tribal signs and symbols, names and photographs of public officials, and public and private television stations inside and outside the country, a local publication reported recently.
The 35 articles of the legislation state that candidates are not allowed to accept or seek financial or any other support from foreign parties, or public and private agencies and firms, the report said.
Candidates are allowed to use various other forms of media, including those on the Internet to promote their campaigns. They should not disturb public peace, incite sedition, create enmity between tribes, or insult other candidates.
All candidates must ensure that they have permits to take part in the elections, which would be issued a week before the announcement of the final list of candidates. Registration for candidates started at the end of September and will continue for 15 days. All election centers must provide separate facilities for women.
The municipal councils’ election committee would work with secretariats and municipalities to determine the size and location of posters and billboards, to ensure all candidates are treated equally, the report said.
The rules state that candidates may not publish photographs of themselves for campaigning purposes but can appoint spokespersons to speak on their behalf. The names of these spokespersons must be forwarded to the election committee before the start of campaigning.
Candidates and their staff may not meet other candidates to work out joint advertising campaigns.