EPRB, Election Campaign, IHEC
Plastic and nylon materials should not be given to voters during campaigns, also for the campaign team who hang posters on and to collect any behind after the election campaign ends.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Environment Protection and Improving Board (EPRB) sent an official letter to the Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) regarding the election campaign, proposing several requests for a healthy campaign and not violating any environmental rights.
The Board formally asked, in their letter, the Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) to coordinate with any environmental organizations to deter violators and pursue them for breaching the rules.
In order to maintain a balance between the two constitutional rights of all citizens, the first is the right to elect for office and vote and the other right is everyone to be in a safe environment.
The request stated:
- The banners and writings should be on cloth and paper, not on flex nylon, which does not decompose easily but harm plants and animals.
- The posters should be fixed with Sellotape, not glue, nails should not be used to fix posters and banners on the trees and the trees should be kept away from hanging the posters on.
- The presentation: to put posters clearly in view, to take the sense of sight into consideration, when choosing a location for the posters.
- Not to waste paper and cardboard because they are mainly the products made from trees.
- Plastic and nylon materials should not be given to voters during campaigns, also for the campaign team who hang posters on, to collect any behind after the election campaign ends.
- Not to use public parks and neighborhood gardens for campaigning.
- Taking the use of large electronic screens and television in appropriate places.
- Constantly, notify the commission and parties about the penalties of violations.
- Encouraging lists to use more of websites during the election campaign.
- The Commission to disclose the names of political parties and entities that do not comply with environmental rules and guidelines.
- Do not use loudspeakers during public gatherings and avoid using vehicle-convoys for campaigning, because both harm the sense of hearing and the environment.
- The Commission shall investigate environmental violations in coordination with environmental organizations.
- The Commission should cooperate with the media network to integrate environmental issues into the election campaign.
