Kerala election 2026: No road symbols, posters or hoardings allowed, warns Commission

The Election Commission has introduced stringent measures to regulate campaign publicity in Kerala, aiming to prevent damage to public infrastructure during the election period. Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rathan U Kelkar IAS stated that strict action will be taken against any destruction of public property or defacement of roads.

Under the new guidelines, drawing large party symbols or signs on roads has been prohibited. Wall writing and the pasting of posters on government buildings, bridges and public premises are also banned. Additionally, the installation of cut-outs, hoardings, banners and flags in public areas is not permitted.

The restrictions apply to a wide range of public infrastructure, including railway stations, government dispensaries, hospitals, post offices, bus stands, airports, railway flyovers, government roads, buses, electric and telephone poles, and local self-government buildings. Using these spaces for political advertisements will be treated as a violation of the law.

Authorities have clarified that if parties or candidates fail to remove unauthorised materials even after receiving a notice, election officials will take action to remove them. The cost of removal will then be added to the candidate’s official election expenditure.

The move aims to ensure cleaner campaigning and prevent damage to public property during the election period.