ECP convenes meeting to finalise code of conduct with political parties

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to discuss and finalise a code of conduct for the forthcoming general elections with leaders of all major political parties is under way in Islamabad.

Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza is chairing the meeting, which is being attended by ECP’s four members, secretary as well as additional secretary.

PML-N’s Ahsan Iqbal, Zahid Hamid, and Khawaja Saad Rafique, PML-Q’s Kamil Ali Agha, ANP’s Mian Iftikhar, Zahid Khan and Bushra Gohar are in attendance, whereas Liaqat Baloch of Jamaat-e-Islami, PPP’s Farhatullah Babur, PTI’s Shafqat Mahmood and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of the MQM are also attending the huddle.

According to the proposed code of conduct, a copy of which is available with ARY News, the ECP in categorical terms states that there will be no any propaganda against the ideology of Pakistan, the judiciary, army or security of the country.

No any political party or contesting candidate will give gifts to officials and security personnel performing election duties.

Candidates aspiring to run in the next elections will not be asked to pay any amount in the name of party funds.

Political parties will have to ensure at least five per cent representation of women by awarding them tickets and their active participation in the electoral process.

No any candidate vying for a National Assembly seat will spend more than Rs four million under the head of election expenditures, while the ones contesting for provincial assembly seats will spend Rs two million each.

There will be no recruitment, transfers or postings, and introduction of any development scheme without prior permission of the ECP.

The ECP will take action against those causing any damage to ballot papers or any other election material.

Political parties will be barred from influencing media and that they will also ensure that their candidates and workers do not manhandle any media personnel.

There will be a complete ban on display of weapons during election campaigns. The president, prime minister, governors or any other public office holder will not be able to visit any constituency.

A ban has been imposed on large banners and hoardings expect for those sized as recommended by the commission.

Upon failure to obey the code of conduct, action would be taken against those responsible, the commission warned.