ECP to formulate new code of conduct for elections

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to formulate a new code of conduct for the upcoming local government and 2023 general elections, ARY News reported.

Sources said the election monitoring body has invited all parliamentary parties for consultations on the code of conduct. The ECP will hold a meeting with leaders of parliamentary parties on March 8 in this regard, they added.

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The meeting will discuss the recently promulgated the Elections Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022 that allowed lawmakers and public office holders to take part in the poll campaign.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has sent invitations to leaders of the PTI, PPP, PML-N, and other political parties for the meeting.

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The sources said the commission is bound to hold discussions with political parties on the matter under section 233 of the Elections Act.

It is noteworthy that the Elections Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022 has been challenged in the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Former UC chairman Islamabad Sardar Mehtab filed a petition, pleading with the court to declare the presidential ordinance null and void.