Election Commission bans campaigning near polling stations

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced a ban on any kind of campaign within 400 meters of the polling station on February 8, the day of the by-elections, reported 24NewsHD Y=TV channel Tuesday.

The ban includes persuading voters to vote, soliciting them to vote or not and campaigning for a particular candidate. The ECP said that placing of notices, signs, banners or flags within 100 meters of the polling station shall also be strictly prohibited.

However, candidates will be able to camp outside 400 metres of the polling station in rural areas and 100 metres in densely populated urban areas.

The ECP said that the district returning officer (DRO), returning officer (RO) and management will be responsible for ensuring implementation of the Code of Conduct.

The ECP warned that violation of the ban will be considered an illegal act which will be dealt with strictly according to law.

Reporter: Usman Khan