Duhok municipality issues rules on campaign posters ahead of elections

DUHOK — With Iraq’s parliamentary elections approaching, Duhok municipality has announced new regulations on campaign posters and promotional materials for parties and candidates.

Officials said the measures are intended to protect the city’s appearance, safeguard the environment, and prevent defacement of public spaces. The parliamentary elections are scheduled for Nov. 11.

The rules ban placing posters on government buildings, schools, hospitals, and religious sites, as well as on utility poles, traffic signs, parks, gardens, and walls. Posters are also prohibited in central markets and around historical landmarks.

Campaigning will be permitted only in areas designated in coordination with the Independent High Electoral Commission. Candidates and parties are responsible for removing their posters and cleaning up campaign sites after the vote.

The municipality also said campaigning is limited to the official period and must stop 24 hours before polling day to observe the traditional election silence.

In previous elections, improper poster placement drew public complaints. The municipality said the new guidelines aim to avoid a repeat of those problems and ensure political competition does not harm the city’s appearance or environment.