Election Commission cracks down on code of conduct violations

The Election Commission of Pakistan has mobilized its monitoring teams to ensure the implementation of the election code of conduct across the country, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Friday.

According to the spokesmen of the commission, several candidates have been fined for violating the rules and regulations regarding election campaigning.

In Ziarat Balochistan, District Monitoring Officer Najibullah Kakar fined Noor Mohammad Damar, a PML-N candidate for the provincial assembly seat PB-07, Rs 40,000 for displaying prohibited advertising materials. In Mardan, District Monitoring Officer imposed fines of Rs 25,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 10,000 on provincial assembly candidates Zulfiqar Khan (PK-58), Gohar Ali Shah (ANP) (PK-54) and Jamshed Khan (PML-N) (PK-61) respectively for the same reason.

The monitoring teams have also intensified their operations to remove illegal banners, posters and hoardings from major highways in all four provinces and Islamabad. In Swat, District Monitoring Officer fined a candidate Rs 20,000 for breaching the code of conduct. In various cities, District Monitoring Officers issued notices to the candidates who violated the rules and held meetings with them to warn them of strict action in case of further violations.

The Election Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in accordance with the clear instructions of the code of conduct.

Reporter: Usman Khan