MUSCAT : The regulations prohibit vote-buying, misleading publicity and the use of government or religious symbols.

They aim to promote integrity, transparency and responsible campaigning throughout the electoral process, while ensuring candidates comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Under the new rules, election campaigning may begin only after the announcement of the final candidate lists and must end one day before the election. Any campaigning outside the legally designated period will constitute a violation.

Candidates are also required to maintain public decorum and comply with relevant regulations. Competent authorities are authorised to remove campaign billboards or other promotional materials found to be in violation, without prior notice, with the candidate responsible for the removal costs.

The regulations prohibit election campaigning inside government administrative buildings, premises of other public legal entities and places of worship.

Candidates are barred from offering or promising gifts, donations, financial or in-kind assistance, or any other benefits to individuals or legal entities, either directly or indirectly, during campaigns or meetings with voters.

Campaign materials are restricted to candidates’ personal photographs, full names and addresses, verified academic and professional qualifications, curricula vitae, and their visions for serving the business sector within the OCCI’s legally defined jurisdiction.

The rules also prohibit the use of the official state emblem or flag, election logo, logos of government entities and other public legal bodies, as well as religious, historical or tribal symbols. Candidates may not use the names or images of public figures in their campaign materials.

Campaign content must not contain language, images or symbols that undermine public order. Candidates are also prohibited from misleading voters or using defamatory or slanderous statements against their competitors.

Regarding outdoor advertising, each candidate may install a maximum of 15 campaign billboards, exclusively within the OCCI branch where they are contesting a board seat.

The placement of campaign advertisements, printed materials, writing, drawings or images on vehicles of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Candidates will bear full responsibility for the content of all advertisements published in their name, regardless of the communication channel used.

The ministry has permitted candidates to conduct their campaigns through SMS messages, social media platforms, the internet, and visual and audio media, provided all materials comply with the prescribed regulations.

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