ECP to hold consultations with parties on final code of conduct

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to hold a consultation with political parties on the final code of conduct on Wednesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

Representatives of political parties will give suggestions on the proposed code of conduct for general elections, the ECP sources said.

The final code of conduct will be issued after consultation with political parties, they added.

The meeting will be chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, they stated.

Invitations have been sent to all the parliamentary political parties.

The ECP earlier issued a proposed code of conduct containing 88 points and sent it to all political parties.

According to the proposed code of conduct, the president, prime minister, ministers and public officials will not be able to participate in election campaigns.

However, senators and local bodies’ representatives will be able to conduct election campaigns.

According to the proposed code of conduct, announcements of development schemes will be banned during campaigns.

Campaigns against the judiciary and the ideology of Pakistan will be banned.

Political parties and candidates will not be allowed to attract people with bribes and gifts.

Political parties will give five percent of tickets to women candidates in general seats.

There will be a ban on the display of arms in political and public gatherings.

Using public money for electioneering and biased coverage of political events on state media will also be banned.

Permission to political parties to hold public meetings will be subject to the consent of the administration.

Electioneering based on sectarianism and language differences will not be allowed.

No protest or sit-in will be allowed in front of any citizen’s house.

A candidate can appoint three election agents for each polling booth—one polling agent for one constituency. The election agent must be from the constituency concerned.

Hoisting flags of political parties on government buildings will be banned.

 

Reporter: Usman Khan