Estonian justice chancellor: Ban on political outdoor advertising is unconstitutional

TALLINN - According to Estonian Chancellor of Justice Ulle Madise, the ban on outdoor advertising of political candidates on personal movables during active election campaigning is unconstitutional.

According to Madise allowing political candidates to advertise themselves on personal movables cannot be considered an obstacle to the election debate becoming more principled. In addition, the ban on outdoor advertising does not help to reduce campaign expenses because outdoor advertising is one of the least expensive forms of advertising, especially on items belonging to the campaigner.

Since outdoor advertising is so inexpensive, the ban has the biggest impact on candidates with fewer finances who have fewer opportunities of advertising themselves. For instance, parties have an advantage over electoral blocks because the latter cannot rely on nationwide campaigns like parties can.

According to the justice chancellor, the state has to offer equal opportunities to candidates but the present situation is different due to the ban.