With parliamentary election just a month away, poll campaigning is picking up speed throughout the country. Candidates and political parties are approaching voters in myriad ways. It is time for all of them to adopt the practice of decent publicity and dignified mode of convincing people. While all are free to explain or mention what their candidacy means in real terms and what difference it will make in the life of people and the country, all have to remember their collective responsibility of making 2026 poll campaigning responsible and decent. They should compete as much as they can but in a decent and dignified manner and with due respect for the other candidate in their front, back or sides- left or right. Since electoral culture is considered great in a democracy and since it offers people opportunity to practice their sovereign right, political campaigning for support should be undertaken in a standard and mature manner. The electoral code of conduct currently being applied with sincerity by the Election Commission stresses the point. All candidates and politicos joining election publicity in any form or modality should take that point seriously and adopt measures suggested by it. If this could be practiced general people will benefit for they can understand candidates well and make informed decision on who should represent them in parliament for the next five years. Maturity and wisdom undertaken in campaigning will ultimately be instrumental in facilitating choice of the right representatives for 165 constituencies. Decency in poll campaigning ensures fair way of convincing voters and impressing them. That does not affect in any way the political competition that candidates wish to have as they approach the public. May all candidates vow this time for decency in campaigning in all constituencies and set up an example for all to appreciate and replicate in future!
