CEC warns Punjab govt against any violation of by-election code

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja Saturday warned the Punjab government and all the public office holders that violations of the code of conduct for by-elections will not be tolerated.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, the CEC held a special meeting with the Chief Secretary of Punjab and conveyed the message to the provincial government of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The CEC made it clear that strict disciplinary action will be taken if the public office holder violates the code of conduct in any of the 20 constituencies where by-elections are being held in Punjab on July 17.
Raja said in case of violation, disqualification from the election and criminal action may also be taken. He said they are acting without discrimination so the state employees should also work without any political pressure.
He told the Chief Secretary that if any of his officers or officials come under political pressure or support any party, report to the commission immediately.
CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja said he is in touch with the authorities regarding the static deployment of the Army and Rangers at sensitive polling stations in 4 constituencies of Lahore and 1 constituency of Multan.
On this occasion, Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Afzal and IG Punjab Rao Sardar assured of holding fair and transparent elections.