IEC, GAM cooperate to regulate election campaign signs

AMMAN — As election campaign intensifies across the country, the Independent Election Commission (IEC) and the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) said were working together to manage the distribution and visibility of election campaign signs to maintain order and minimise disruptions.

According to a statement by the IEC, 5,635 election campaign signs have been placed on poles so far in Amman, along with 94 awareness signs installed in public squares. 

The commission added that it has also utilised illuminated electronic screens in Amman and Irbid to enhance the visibility of election messages.

The IEC said that it ensures the proper distribution and placement of signs by designating specific locations in advance, in coordination with the election committees in each electoral district. 

"Specialised companies handle the installation of signs, which is directly supervised by commission staff to guarantee compliance with the approved standards and guidelines," the IEC said.

The commission said that it gathers citizens' feedback on the impact of election signs through various channels, including research centres, and field studies. 

"This feedback is then used to refine election advertising policies and guide future practices in line with public expectations while minimising any disruption to the community," according to the IEC. 

IEC added that it continuously seeks alternative methods for election campaigns that are less disruptive and more effective, which includes promoting the use of social media as an alternative to traditional signs. 

The commission said that such methods help reduce the negative visual impact on the urban environment while ensuring that election messages reach voters effectively.

GAM Spokesperson Nasser Rahmaneh told The Jordan Times that to date, GAM has dealt with 14,000 election signs that either fell due to weather conditions or were improperly installed, adding that these signs have been removed in cooperation with the IEC.

"The municipality has established specific standards for the placement of signs to ensure public safety and visibility," Rahmaneh said, adding that signs must not obstruct vision, cover street signs, or block traffic signals, and they must not be installed on trees or light poles. 

"Plans are underway to study and designate specific locations for signs within the capital. The goal is to prevent them from being scattered randomly throughout the city, ensuring they are placed in predetermined areas that meet established criteria," he noted.